Zucchini Balls Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
These zucchini balls are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a meatball alternative with pasta and marinara sauce or as a delightful appetizer with dipping sauce on the side. They are easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords: Vegetable, European, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4-6 small zucchini, grated (about 3 cups)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh ground pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste (optional)
- 16-20 tablespoons marinara sauce (for serving)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380.6
- Fat: 18.4g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
- Sodium: 931.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.7g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 16.3g
- Protein: 14.1g
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
-
Prepare the Zucchini Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together grated zucchini, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, fresh ground pepper, and salt (if using). Ensure the mixture is well-combined.
-
Shape the Zucchini Balls: Using about 1 rounded tablespoon of the mixture, form small balls and place them on the greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly to ensure even cooking.
-
Bake the Zucchini Balls: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the zucchini balls to the other side and bake for another 15 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Simmer in Marinara Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Carefully add the baked zucchini balls to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Adjust Sauce as Needed: During simmering, check the consistency of the sauce. If it thickens too much, you can add a little water or more marinara sauce to maintain the desired consistency.
-
Serve: Once the zucchini balls have simmered and absorbed some of the marinara flavors, serve them warm with pasta and additional marinara sauce. They can also be served as appetizers with sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips and Notes:
- Squeezing Zucchini: If using large zucchinis, make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated zucchini before mixing with other ingredients. Large zucchinis tend to release more water, which can affect the texture of the zucchini balls.
- Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can also add herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
Enjoy these zucchini balls as a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs, perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests!
