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Vegetarian Meatballs

The plantain balls are vegan and can be used with dipping sauce as an appetizer.

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Servings
10
Cuisine Type
  • american
Menu Part
  • appetizer
Main Ingredient
  • Vegetables

Source: Saint Clare’s Hospital, Denville, N.J.

The plantain balls are vegan and can be used with dipping sauce as an appetizer.

Ingredients

2 green plantains
1/2 gal. boiling water
1/4 tsp. dry oregano, crushed
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. freshly chopped garlic
1 tsp. freshly chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. freshly chopped thyme
1 cup mashed potatoes, very dense
Oil to fry (optional)

Meatball Sauce
1 cup tomato sauce (ready made)
4 tbsp. sour cream
2 tbsp. whole milk
1 tbsp. chiffonade fresh basil

Yield: 1 1/4 cups sauce

Steps

  1. In boiling water, immerse plantains for about 3 minutes.

  2. Remove and peel quickly.

  3. Break up and mash with potato masher, very quickly. If plantains get cold, they will harden.

  4. Season with spices.

  5. Add mashed potatoes (substitute with mashed beans – any kind).

  6. Add fresh herbs.

  7. Mix and form 2-ounce balls. Coat lightly with oil (this prevents from breaking and drying).

  8. Bake in 350°F oven for 8 minutes or deep-fry until golden.

  9. Simmer gently in sauce for 2 minutes and serve hot.
     

Meatball Sauce

  1. Add dairy ingredients to hot sauce and stir. Keep warm for service.

Additional Tips

Balls can be shaped as patty and used as slider or vegan burger. If you temper some spices and add to sauce, it can get an ethnic spin and flavor profile.

Read more about:

Recipes
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