Vegan Broccoli Balls

Vegan Broccoli Balls are an easy-to-make snack. Its outer side is crunchy and its inner side is juicy and soft. These Vegan Broccoli Balls are a mood changer because it is a tasty and wholesome dish. This is a powerhouse of many nutrients like fiber, protein, and carbs. Low calories are present in this dish. It is an easy and quick recipe. You can make delicious balls with basic items like broccoli, plant-based milk, and breadcrumbs. Enjoy it with marinara, or vegan sour cream. Cook the balls according to the below cooking directions. Let’s start the recipe.

Equipment

• Nonstick pan
• Food Blender
• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Tray

Ingredients

• Olive Oil 1tsp
• Chopped Onion 1/2 cup
• Broccoli 1 large
• Fresh Basil Leaves 2tbsp
• Dried Oregano 1/2tsp
• Chopped Garlic 1/2 tsp
• Chipotle Pepper 1/2tsp
• Crushed Black Pepper 1/4tsp
• Salt 1/4tsp
• Nutritional Yeast 1tbsp
• Plant-based Milk 1/4cup
• Bread Crumbs 1/4cup
• Flax Seeds 1tbsp

Other Optional Ingredients

• Vegan Almond Milk Pepper Jack 1/4cup
• Vegan Daiya Grated Cheese

Ingredients of Marinara Sauce

• Olive Oil 1tbsp
• Onions 2 small
• Chopped Garlic Cloves 8
• Canned Tomatoes 28 oz
• Oregano 1tsp
• Red Pepper Flakes 1/2tsp
• Crushed Black Pepper 1/4tsp, it’s optional
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Take a nonstick pan, and add oil to this pan. Warm the oil at medium flame.
2. Add chopped onions to this oil, and cook it for 3-4 minutes until its color is light brown.
3. Next, take a food blender. Add broccoli florets and basil leaves to this blender.
4. Blend it well. Add this blended broccoli to the pan with salt.
5. Mix all ingredients and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli moisture absorbs.
6. After that, switch off the burner’s hob.
7. Add dried oregano, garlic, chipotle pepper, black pepper, nutritional yeast, almond milk, and breadcrumbs to this pan.
8. Combine all ingredients.
9. Next, take another mixing bowl. Add flax seeds with lukewarm water to this bowl.
10. Mix it well and set aside this mixture.
11. Add breadcrumbs to another bowl.
12. Now, take the broccoli mixture. Shape the mixture into round balls.
13. Coat the balls with the flax seeds mixture.
14. Make 8-10 balls. Shift these balls to a grease baking tray.
15. Bake it for 15-20 minutes the outer layer golden.
16. Serve the delicious zucchini balls with marinara sauce.

Preparation of Marinara Sauce

1. Turn on the stove hob, and place a nonstick saucepan on this burner. Add olive oil and heat it for 2-3 minutes.
2. Next, add chopped garlic and onion to this pan. Sautee it for 5-6 minutes until its color changes.
3. Mix crushed canned tomatoes with onions.
4. Next, add red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and crushed black pepper to this pan.
5. Stir all ingredients and cook it for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. The Marinara sauce is ready.

Variations of this recipe

You can vary the spices, ingredients, and herbs to your choice.
Spicy Broccoli Balls: You can add diced jalapenos, sriracha, red chili pepper flakes, or hot sauce to make it spicy.
Italian touch: Use Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and oregano to give an Italian flavor.
Mexican flavor: Add bell peppers, chili powder, and cumin. It gives a Mexican flavor.

Tips

Don’t over-blend the broccoli. Otherwise, the shape will not form.
Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
You can add breadcrumbs, chickpea flour, or oats. It gives a binding texture to the balls.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store the marinara sauce and balls in a fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze: Tightly pack the balls and sauce in a box. Place this box in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Reheating: You can rewarm the chilled balls in a microwave oven or stovetop for a minute.

FAQs

How do we serve the broccoli balls?
Serve the broccoli balls with vegan tahini lemon sauce, marinara sauce, hummus, salsa, or vegan sour cream. It also accompanies it with wraps, pita bread, vegan pizza, or green salad.

Can I try these balls with another vegetable?
You can try these tasty balls with vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots.

Nutritional Facts of Vegan Broccoli Balls

Serving Amount 2-3
Total Calories 60kcal
Carbohydrates 7g
Protein 2g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 1g
Fat 2g
Sodium 108mg
Iron 0.7mg

Nutritional Facts of Marinara Sauce

Total Calories 39kcal
Carbohydrates 5g
Protein 1g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 3g
Fat 2g