Irresistible Plant-Based ‘Meat’balls and Spaghetti: A Culinary Delight

By Bob Vaughan | Serves 3-4

Indulge in a delectable journey of flavors with this delightful plant-based twist on a classic favorite. ‘Meat’balls and spaghetti take on a whole new level of deliciousness with a recipe that is both wholesome and satisfying. Let the culinary adventure begin!

Crafting the Perfect Plant-Based ‘Meat’balls

Unveil the magic of plant-based ingredients as we embark on the creation of savory ‘meat’balls that will tantalize your taste buds. Gather the following elements:

For the ‘Meat’balls:

• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1⁄2 Brown onion, diced
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 125 g Button mushrooms
• 1 can Black beans, drained
• 1/4 cup Walnuts
• 1/4 cup Cashews
• 2 1⁄2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 3 tsp Dried oregano
• 1⁄2 cup Fresh basil
• 1 cup Brown rice, cooked
• 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs

Final touches:

• 400 g Spaghetti
• 500 g Marinara sauce
• Vegan parmesan
• Fresh basil

Perfecting the Plant-Based Symphony

1. Begin the culinary symphony by preheating your oven to 180°C. Line a tray with baking paper, setting the stage for the grand performance of the ‘meat’balls.
2. In a small pan, let 1 tbsp of olive oil take the spotlight, sautéing the diced onion and garlic until they bask in a golden hue. Allow them to shine and cool.
3. Now, let the mushrooms make their entrance, taking the center stage in a food processor. Pulse them until they achieve a finely minced consistency, setting the tone for the ‘meat’balls’ texture.
4. Cue the remaining ingredients to join the symphony. Introduce the black beans, walnuts, cashews, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, fresh basil, and cooked brown rice to the mushroom mince. Blend this harmonious mixture until it achieves a perfect combination. If needed, add a dash of water or blend in batches to achieve the desired texture.
5. Using an ice cream scoop as your maestro’s baton, shape the ‘meat’balls into 10-12 equally sized spheres, each a delightful note in the culinary score.
6. The large pan returns to the spotlight, allowing the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil to sizzle and fry the ‘meat’balls to a delightful golden brown on the outside, while keeping their tender essence intact.
7. With grace and precision, transfer the ‘meat’balls onto the prepared baking tray, inviting them to showcase their talents in the oven for 12-18 minutes, a finale that promises a perfect balance of flavors.

A Symphony of Flavor: Completing the Dish

To complete this gastronomic symphony, let’s prepare the spaghetti and marinara sauce, elevating the dish to perfection.

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until it reaches al dente, offering a tantalizingly tender texture.
2. In a small saucepan, gently heat your favorite plant-based marinara sauce on medium-high heat, allowing it to reach the desired temperature, enveloping the ‘meat’balls in a luscious embrace.

The Grand Finale: A Feast for the Senses

As the final notes of this culinary masterpiece come together, serve the ‘meat’balls atop the spaghetti, and generously ladle the marinara sauce over them. Crown this delightful dish with a sprinkling of vegan parmesan, an enchanting melody of fresh basil leaves, and let the feast begin. Delight in the harmonious flavors and textures, as this plant-based symphony becomes a celebration of taste and compassion, redefining the classic ‘meat’balls and spaghetti for a new era of culinary indulgence.