Prep time
20 min
These tender juicy “meatballs” are surprisingly prepared with chickpeas and mushrooms. This is a great way to introduce plant-based proteins into family classics.
Cook time
40 min
Servings
6
Prep time
20 min
Cook time
40 min
Servings
6
Ingredients
Tomato sauce:
- 30 mL (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (796 mL/28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 mL (¾ tsp) dried oregano
- ½ package (150 g/5 oz) frozen spinach, defrosted
Chickpea and mushroom “meatballs”:
- 1 package (225 g/8 oz) cremini mushrooms, chopped finely (about 375 mL/1 ½ cups)
- 30 mL (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 1 mL (¼ tsp) salt
- 1 can (540 mL/19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 mL (¾ tsp) dried oregano
- 5 mL (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 15 mL (1 tbsp) dried parsley
- 1 egg
To assemble:
- 1 package (500 g/18 oz) gnocchi
- 250 mL (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil. Sauté onions and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Using a hand blender, purée sauce and stir in defrosted spinach.
- Prepare the “meatballs”: In a small pan, sauté mushrooms in vegetable oil and salt over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes or until all the water evaporates and mushrooms are dry. Allow to cool.
- Place chickpeas on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, place in a bowl, and crush with a fork or potato masher. Add cooked mushrooms to the bowl with crushed chickpeas.
- Once cooled, stir in oregano, garlic, parsley, and egg. Form into 12 “meatballs” and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F).
- Boil gnocchi per package instructions and add to tomato sauce. Pour into an oven safe casserole and top with baked “meatballs” and cheese. Return to oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Watch the video
Tips
- Little chefs can be a big help with this recipe. They can mash the chickpeas and form the “meatballs”.
- If you’re short on time or energy, use 1 jar (650 mL/22 oz) of pre-made marinara sauce. Choose one that is lower in sodium, sugars or saturated fats.
- Make a double batch of sauce and “meatballs”. Freeze separately and use on busy nights.
- If gnocchi isn’t for you, swap for your favourite pasta.
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