Amazeballs

Amazeballs by Jackie Russell Photo: B Wilson

Going vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all your old favourites like spaghetti and meatballs! There are many ready-made meatball options in the supermarket freezer section, however its much cheaper and healthier to make your own. These ones use just three ingredients, and are oven-baked, not fried so are better for you too!  Just whizz up a batch, pop them in the oven and serve with your favourite marinara or pasta sauce. You can even enjoy them in a sub or wrap too!  Note: Many brands contain onion and/or garlic, if you are intolerant to alliums take care when reading labels.

Makes around 25 ‘meatballs’
 

Ingredients

1 400g can refried beans 
½ – ¾ cup dried regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs (or a whole cup if you’re using fresh) 
1 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

Method

Put the refried beans into a large bowl, along with the breadcrumbs and chopped basil and mix/ mash together until well combined. 

Pop the mixture into the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so.

Once the mixture has chilled, line an oven tray with baking or silicone paper and put the oven on to heat at 180C.

Roll teaspoonful of the mixture into balls and place them onto the lined oven tray. 

When all the mixture has been used up, place into the centre of the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until nice and crunchy on the outside.

Remove from the oven and serve with your favourite pasta and sauce.