Description
Mozzarella Stuffed Vegetarian Meatball Bites are a delightful and nutritious treat, perfect for introducing veggies to infants as well as satisfying the taste buds of vegetarians. These meatballs combine plant-based minced meat with creamy mozzarella surprises inside, baked to golden perfection and served with a fresh tomato and basil sauce. They are easy to make, wholesome, and packed with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 300g vegan minced meat
- 12 small mozzarella balls
- 1 teaspoon garlic (roasted, minced)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 400g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Fresh basil leaves, a small handful
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatball bites to a golden brown perfection.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegan minced meat, roasted minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional dried Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff Meatballs: Take a tablespoon of the meatball mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one mozzarella ball in the center and mold the meat mixture around it completely, forming a compact bite-sized ball. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella balls.
- Bake Meatballs: Arrange the prepared meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Basil and Season: Stir in fresh basil leaves and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat once basil is fragrant and well combined.
- Serve: Place the baked mozzarella stuffed vegetarian meatballs on a serving platter and spoon the fresh tomato basil sauce over each bite. Serve warm for a delicious, nutritious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegan minced meat with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas for a different texture.
- Ensure the mozzarella balls are well sealed inside the meat mixture to prevent leaking during baking.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing the garlic and onions.
- These meatball bites can be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen by adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Serve with a side of steamed veggies or over pasta for a complete meal.
