Vegan Meatballs With Zoodles

You will be amazed by the hearty taste of these meatless meatballs! Approved by the Food Matters Team, these meatless meatballs are packed with flavor, fiber and protein!

A great way to sneak more veggies into the kids diet!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (14 oz or 400g)
• 2 tbsp chia seeds & 3 tbsp water, mixed together
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt & pepper to taste

PASTA SAUCE

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can organic tomatoes (14 oz or 400g)
• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted
• handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
• handful of fresh oregano, roughly chopped
• salt & pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the oats, grated carrot, parsley, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, olive oil, dried oregano and salt & pepper to the food processor. Process until a crumble forms.
3. Add kidney beans, soaked chia seeds into the food processor and process until everything is combined well.
4. Roll the mixture into 18-20 balls, packing each ball tightly between your hands so it holds together well. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet an inch or two apart.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, remove from oven, gently flip and bake for a further 15-20 minutes until nice and golden.
6. While your meatballs are baking,  make your pasta sauce by heating oil in medium pan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic until softened. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 or so minutes. Stir through olives, herbs, salt and pepper.
7. Serve with zucchini pasta and top with homemade pasta sauce.