What if we made our plate vegan with vegetarian meatballs?
More economical, easier to make, better for the environment… There are only good reasons to put meatless meatballs on the menu.
Vegetarian meatballs: instructions for use
How to replace meat in meatballs?
To substitute meat in meatballs, you have several options.
The vegetables
The perfect option when you want to eat a balanced diet and cook seasonal vegetables differently. In autumn, we opt for cauliflower, squash, or mushrooms, while in spring, we prefer to use beans or peas.
With exceptions such as zucchini, most vegetables must be pre-cooked. You will then need to remove as much water as possible before crushing them roughly.
Legumes
Are you looking to reduce your meat consumption, but without sacrificing protein? Think about legumes. Chickpeas, dried beans and lentils contain good proportions of protein and fiber, which makes them even more filling.
To save time on your preparations, we advise you to choose canned legumes, already cooked. This will save you from going through the soaking and cooking step. However, remember to rinse and drain them properly. If necessary, you can roll them in a clean cloth to dry them.
As for recipes, we can take inspiration from falafels, fried balls from the Middle East.
Cereals and starchy foods
With a packet of rice, quinoa or a few potatoes, you can prepare many dishes, including dumplings. The good thing is that it costs three cents, and most of the ingredients you need are already in your cupboards.
As with the previous options, it will be necessary to precook them, then drain them before seasoning them and forming the meatballs.
Can’t decide between all these options? No problem, you can absolutely combine several ingredients: legumes and cereals, cereals and vegetables…. It all depends on the desired result or the ingredients at your disposal.
Seasoning and cooking meatless meatballs
Once you have the base, think about seasoning. Fresh herbs, spices, minced garlic cloves, cheese… Any condiment adding flavor to the meatballs is welcome. Be careful with liquids like vinegar, soy sauce, or oils which add a lot of moisture to the stuffing. The more moist the meatballs are, the more likely they are to fall apart when cooked.
All you have to do is mix the base with the seasonings by adding an egg or tofu. If you have trouble forming balls because the dough is too soft, add flour, cornstarch or breadcrumbs to adjust the consistency. Conversely, if the meatballs are dry and crumbling, mix in an additional egg, or 50 g of silken tofu until the dough comes together properly.
Once the meatballs are formed, cook them in the pan, in the fryer or in the oven, it’s up to you.
Can I freeze my meatless meatballs for later?
Yes ! If you have any meatballs left, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. So, they will keep for up to three months in the freezer. All you have to do is take them out on the big day, then reheat them in the oven or in the pan.
Very practical when you don’t have time to prepare dinner or lack inspiration.
What to do with vegetarian meatballs?
To accompany a plate of autumn pasta, in wraps, or even as an aperitif with homemade guacamole and spreads… There are as many possibilities as there are types of meatballs.
Exactly, here are 15 meatless meatball recipes to try urgently.
Chickpea and sweet potato falafel
© Valéry Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Chickpea and sweet potato falafel
Lentil meatballs, lemon zest pesto
© Valéry Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Lentil meatballs, lemon zest pesto
Red bean falafel
© Jean-Claude Amiel
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Falafel with red beans
Red lentil and sweet potato balls, curry yogurt sauce
© Emanuela Cino
- 6 persons
- Level: Easy
- 25 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Red lentil and sweet potato balls, curry yogurt sauce
Indian falafel with coral lentils and carrot, cumin and lime raita
© Valéry Guedes
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 25 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Indian falafels with coral lentils and carrot, cumin and lime raita
Carrot-feta-mint meatballs
© Carrie Solomon
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Carrot-feta-mint meatballs
Falafel with chia seeds, radishes with rice vinegar
© Jean-Claude Amiel
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 30 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Falafels with chia seeds, radishes with rice vinegar
Quinoa balls, coriander gremolata, parsley and tapenade
© Jérôme Bilic
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Quinoa balls, coriander gremolata, parsley and tapenade
Crispy coconut falafel
© Kathleen Finlay / Editions de l’Homme
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Crispy Coconut Falafel
Falafel with peas
© Guillaume Czerw
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Falafel with peas
Gluten-Free Turkish Lentil Meatballs
© Infraordinario Studio
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Gluten-Free Turkish Lentil Meatballs
Lentil-mushroom-tofu meatballs
© Carrie Solomon
- 3 people
- Level: Very easy
- 12 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Lentil-mushroom-tofu meatballs
Carrot meatballs, halloumi, dill
© Kris Kirkham
- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Carrot meatballs, halloumi, dill
Ginger-Coconut Balls
© Carrie Solomon
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Ginger-Coconut Balls
Black bean-quinoa balls
© Carrie Solomon
- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Black bean-quinoa balls