Vegetarian Classic Italian Polpette (Meatballs)
Savor the taste of Italy with these Vegetarian Classic Italian Polpette, a plant-based twist on the beloved meatball recipe! Made with protein-rich chickpeas, nutty Parmesan cheese, and aromatic fresh parsley, these golden, crispy polpette are a perfectly textured and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes of prep time, this savory dish is pan-fried to perfection and pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, pasta, or a fresh salad. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking a hearty, meat-free Italian classic, these vegetarian polpette will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Enjoy this satisfying, wholesome meal packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors!
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Ingredients
- 1 15-oz can canned chickpeas
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas well under cold water. Pat them dry using a paper towel.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it forms a rough, sticky dough. You want it well combined but not completely puréed so that some texture remains.
Step 4
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them onto a plate or baking sheet. You should end up with around 12-16 polpette.
Step 5
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 6
Add the polpette to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Step 7
Fry the polpette for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Step 8
Transfer the cooked polpette to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 9
Serve the vegetarian polpette warm with your choice of marinara sauce, a fresh salad, or pasta.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (755.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1251.7 |
| Total Fat 60.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g | |
| Cholesterol 265.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4537.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 132.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 20.3g | |
| Protein 55.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 80.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 868.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1447.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories