How to Make Vegetarian Meatballs

If you have lots of recipes calling for meatballs but you're vegetarian, there's no need to despair! Substitute these delicious vegetarian meatballs (and make sure to use veggie stock) and you'll be fine. And just in case you thought this would be hard, it's not! This recipe is very simple.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs (wholewheat are best)
• 1 tsp mixed herbs seasoning
• 1/2 cup cracker crumbs
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• SAUCE:
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can pineapple pieces and juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsps cornstarch

1. Make the vegetarian meatballs. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Fry the balls in olive oil or similar quality oil. Set aside to cool. If you would like to use them at this step, feel free to go ahead and substitute meatballs in a different recipe. For a complete meal on its own, follow the sauce recipe next.
2. Make the sauce. Sauté the onion. Add the pineapple pieces and juice. Add water, lemon juice, brown sugar and ketchup.
3. Dilute the cornstarch with water.
4. Bring the sauce to a boil. Add the diluted cornstarch and stir quickly until the cornstarch becomes clear.
5. Arrange the vegetarian meatballs in an ovenproof dish. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
6. Bake for 30 minutes in a medium oven.

Tips & Warnings

• The sauce makes for a complete meal on its own, with some steamed veggies.
• Keep stirring when adding the cornstarch, to avoid the formation of lumps.