Name: Vegan Meatballs
Prep time: 22 min
Cook time: 52 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp ground flax meal; 5 tbsp water; 2 tbsp grapeseed oil; 1 small onion (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced or crushed); 2.5 tsp italian seasoning; 0.75 tsp fennel seed (crushed (optional but recommended)); 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp tamari (low sodium (sub soy sauce)); 12 oz mushrooms (chopped (about 4.5 cups)); 1 can chickpeas (drained well but NOT rinsed); 1 cup rolled oats; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style (vegan)); 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce ((a vegan variety)); 2 tbsp tomato paste; null to_taste salt; null to_taste black pepper ground; null null oil spray (for baking/air frying)

Instructions

Show units in method

1

Combine the ground flax meal (2 tbsp) and water (5 tbsp) in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.
2

Heat grapeseed oil (2 tbsp) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion (1 small) and sauté until softened and lightly browned (3-5 minutes).
3

Add garlic (4 cloves) and sauté for 1 minute. Then add italian seasoning (2.5 tsp), fennel seed (0.75 tsp), and red pepper flakes (0.5 tsp). Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4

Add mushrooms (12 oz) and sauté until softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure moisture is released and the pan is dry. Stir in tamari (2 tbsp) and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
5

Add chickpeas (1 can) to a large food processor. Pulse a few times to break down the beans.
6

Add the cooked mushrooms, rolled oats (1 cup), breadcrumbs (0.5 cup), flax egg, worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp), tomato paste (2 tbsp), [to_taste salt], and [to_taste black pepper ground] to the processor. Process until well combined, almost forming a paste but retaining some texture. Taste and adjust seasoning. Place mixture uncovered in the freezer for 20-30 minutes (or in the fridge for 1-2 hours).
7

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
8

Remove mixture from the freezer and form into smooth balls (about 1.5 tbsp each). Place on the baking sheet, spray or brush with [oil spray], and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and firm. Flip meatballs midway through. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up. Serve warm with spaghetti sauce or cook in sauce for 5 minutes.
9

Air Fryer Method: Place meatballs in your air fryer basket, lightly spray with [oil spray]. Do not overcrowd. Cook at 390 °F (199 °C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until heated through and firm on the outside. Let cool for 10 minutes to firm up.