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Try our veggie meatballs then check out more of our meatballs recipes.

For more easy veggie recipes, try our vegetarian bolognese, vegetarian moussaka, vegetarian shepherd's pie and other vegetarian recipes.

  • 2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes
  • a large pinch dried chilli flakes
  • a pinch caster sugar
  • 240g basmati and wild rice
  • 3 roasted red peppers from a jar
    thickly sliced
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • a handful pitted green olives
    chopped
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • a handful, chopped (optional) flat-leaf parsley

MEATBALLS

  • 75g quinoa
  • spray oil
  • ½ onion
    finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic
    finely chopped
  • 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 400g tin black beans
    drained and rinsed
  • 1 egg
  • 30g dried breadcrumbs

Nutrition: per serving

  • kcal488
    low
  • fat5.2g
    low
  • saturates1g
  • carbs81.9g
  • sugars10.6g
  • fibre12.2g
  • protein22.2g
  • salt0.7g
    low

Method

  • step 1

    To make the meatballs, cook the quinoa in a large pan of boiling water until just cooked, then drain really well and cool. Spray the base of a deep, non-stick frying pan with oil then cook the onion with a splash of water and a pinch of salt for 5 minutes until the water has evaporated and the onion has softened. Add the garlic and paprika, and cook for few more minutes, then cool.

  • step 2

    Tip the quinoa, onion mixture, beans, egg and breadcrumbs into a food processor with a little seasoning and whizz until smooth-ish. Use clean, wet hands to form into 20 balls, each about the size of a walnut, put onto a tray and chill for 15 minutes.

  • step 3

    Heat more spray oil in the frying pan and cook the meatballs, in batches, until browned all over, then scoop out onto a plate. Tip the tomatoes into the pan with 200ml of water, the chilli flakes and sugar, and use a masher to crush into small pieces. Season and simmer for 20 minutes until reduced.

  • step 4

    Cook the rice in a large pan of lightly salted boiling water following pack instructions, then drain well.

  • step 5

    Add the meatballs into the sauce along with the peppers, capers and olives. Simmer, stirring, for 10 minutes until the meatballs are piping hot. Add the vinegar, plus a splash of water if it is getting a little dry.

  • step 6

    Divide the rice between bowls and top with the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle over the parsley, if using, to serve.

Head here for more veggie ideas

Veggie fajitas

Authors

Adam Bush Chef Portrait
Adam BushDeputy food editor
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