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Nanna’s Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is rated 5.0 out of 5.

The Nanna Diaries

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One-pot recipe

Comfort food

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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)
  • 700-800ml 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

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

  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 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! You’ll just need extra Napoli sauce 🙂

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