The “Tofu Nut Balls” recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish adapted from a cookbook focused on vegetarian creations. These nut balls are not only popular among vegetarians but also enjoyed by meat eaters and kids alike, making them a fantastic meatball substitute. They are easy to prepare, requiring just over an hour from start to finish, and are categorized under Lunch/Snacks, fitting well into a variety of meal plans.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 walnut-sized balls
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 88
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 39mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.8g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.9g
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup pecans
- 7 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 8 ounces firm tofu
- 1/2 cup water
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Key Recipe Keywords:
- Soy/Tofu
- Beans
- Fruit (lemon juice)
- Nuts (pecans)
- Vegan
- Low Cholesterol
- Kid Friendly
- Weeknight
- Beginner Cook
- Small Appliance
- < 4 Hours
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Instructions:
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Start by blending old fashioned oats and pecans in a food processor until finely ground. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl.
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To the bowl, add minced garlic, sage, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
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In the same food processor (no need to clean in between), blend the firm tofu and water until smooth. Add this tofu mixture to the bowl with the other ingredients. Stir well until the mixture holds together firmly.
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Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
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Heat a little olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Skillet fry the balls, turning occasionally, until they achieve a desired level of brownness on all sides. Add more oil if needed during cooking.
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Optionally, you can bake the balls on a baking sheet at 350°F for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Alternatively, flatten the balls slightly and cook them on the stovetop without baking.
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Once cooked, transfer the balls onto brown bags or newspaper-covered paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Serve these Tofu Nut Balls over al dente pasta with a flavorful tomato sauce, or enjoy them as appetizers.
This recipe not only provides a nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs but also offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures from oats, pecans, and tofu. It’s perfect for various occasions, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a party appetizer that everyone will love.
