Vegan Italian Herb Polpette

Total time55 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time35 min

4.9

(16)

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the meatballs

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
½ lb ground pork
Chef's tip
Use a plant-based ground product and cook according to package directions; add oil only if needed.
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, finely ground
¼ cup whole milk
Chef's tip
Use an unsweetened variety so it won't add sweetness, especially in savory dishes.
1 large egg
Chef's tip
For each egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and let it sit until it thickens. It holds ingredients together but won't make things rise - best in pancakes, muffins, and cookies.
⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Chef's tip
Choose a vegan parmesan in the form the recipe uses - grated for sprinkling and sauces, a firm wedge for shaving or melting.
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground turmeric
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the sauce

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ tsp kosher salt

For serving

4–5 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
extra parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Chef's tip
Choose a vegan parmesan in the form the recipe uses - grated for sprinkling and sauces, a firm wedge for shaving or melting.

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). In a small bowl, combine the finely ground oats and whole milk and let stand for 3 minutes until the oats absorb the milk and form a paste.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked oat paste, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands just until the ingredients are evenly distributed — stop as soon as no streaks remain; overmixing will tighten the meatballs.

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