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Nanna’s Meatballs Recipe

The Nanna Diaries

Easy peasy

One-pot recipe

Comfort food

Holidays

Entertaining

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A person holds a red saucepan filled with homemade plant-based meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with parsley and vegan cheese, with a spoon inside the saucepan.
A pot of Nanna’s plant-based meatballs in tomato sauce with herbs and vegan cheese sits on a festive table next to crackers, pastries, and holiday decorations.

Bring a little Nanna magic to the dinner table with these comforting meatballs, made with plant-based mince, grated veggies and a sprinkle of parmesan. They’re crisped up until golden, then nestled into bubbling Napoli sauce for a seriously satisfying meal.

You will need

Serves 6

  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 1 large clove of garlic, grated (optional)
  • 600g of plant-based mince or burger patties, crumbled (we used Beyond Meat)
  • Parsley, chopped (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 50g of vegan parmesan (we used Green Vie)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, plus extra if needed (gluten-free if required)
  • Olive oil, for shallow-frying (or any neutral tasting oil)
  • 1.4kg Napoli sauce (store-bought or make your own)

To serve:

  • Crusty bread, gluten-free if needed (optional)

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Directions

20 mins to prep

35 mins to cook

  1. Step 1

    Grate the zucchini, carrot, onion and (optional) garlic into a large bowl. Add the plant-based mince, parsley, salt and pepper; mix well. Whisk together cornflour and water and stir it in.

  2. Step 2

    Add the vegan parmesan and 1 cup breadcrumbs. Mix until combined, adding extra breadcrumbs only if the mixture feels too soft. Shape into balls (an ice-cream scoop gives even portions).

  3. Step 3

    Heat the 1.4 kg Napoli sauce in a wide pot large enough to hold all the meatballs, and bring to a simmer.

  4. Step 4

    Shallow-fry the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat, turning, for about 15 minutes or until golden, then transfer them into the pot of simmering sauce cooking for a further 15–20 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!

Hot tip!

Getting the family together for dinner? Serve these up with fettucine, just like Nanna Mirella!

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