Eggplant marinara balls with ricotta and parmesan

Delight your taste buds with our Eggplant Marinara Balls with Ricotta and Parmesan! This easy-to-follow recipe features tender eggplant infused with aromatic garlic and basil, mixed with savory bread crumbs, and enriched with grated Parmesan and a touch of fresh parsley. Baked to perfection, these delicious vegetarian balls are served in a rich pasta sauce and topped with creamy ricotta cheese. Perfect for any occasion, this dish offers a nutritious and flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Ready to impress with minimal effort!

  • 23 Jan 2025
  • Cook time 40 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 12 Ingredients

Eggplant marinara balls with ricotta and parmesan

Eggplant marinara balls with ricotta and parmesan is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of eggplant, basil, and garlic, with the creamy textures of ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant appetizer, this recipe is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Ingredients:

2/3 tbsp olive oil
9g
1 eggplant
550g
1/4 tsp salt
1.50g
1/4 tsp black pepper
0.52g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tbsp basil
5g
1.50 cups bread crumbs
180g
1 egg
50g
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
60g
1 tbsp fresh parsley
3.80g
3 cups pasta sauce
770g
1 cup ricotta cheese
250g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced eggplant to the skillet.
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 8-10 minutes until the eggplant is soft and lightly browned.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the skillet, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Process the Mixture:
- Transfer the cooked eggplant mixture to a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped but not pureed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggplant mixture, bread crumbs, beaten egg, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Balls:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Balls:
- Bake the eggplant balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm.
5. Heat the Pasta Sauce:
- While the eggplant balls are baking, heat the pasta sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Once the eggplant balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the warmed pasta sauce. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the balls are simmering, gently stir in the ricotta cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the eggplant marinara balls hot, garnished with extra basil or parsley if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, over pasta, or with a side of garlic bread.

Tips:

- Tip 1: Make sure to finely chop the eggplant for a smoother texture in your marinara balls.

- Tip 2: Sauté the garlic briefly to avoid bitterness and enhance its sweetness.

- Tip 3: If the mixture feels too wet to form into balls, add additional bread crumbs gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

- Tip 4: For a crispier exterior, lightly fry the balls in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pasta sauce.

- Tip 5: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.

Eggplant marinara balls with ricotta and parmesan are a delicious and versatile dish that bridges the gap between comfort food and gourmet cuisine. With an easy-to-follow recipe and some handy tips, you'll be able to create a meal that's both satisfying and impressive to your guests. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your favorite pasta or on its own as a tasty appetizer.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size470 grams
Energy
Calories 480kcal24%
Protein
Protein 24g16%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 60g18%
Fiber 10g26%
Sugar 18g18%
Fat
Fat 18g21%
Saturated 7g23%
Cholesterol 90mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 190ug22%
Choline 100mg18%
Vitamin B1 0.57mg47%
Vitamin B2 0.57mg44%
Vitamin B3 12mg72%
Vitamin B6 0.56mg33%
Vitamin B9 120ug31%
Vitamin B12 0.67ug28%
Vitamin C 9mg9%
Vitamin E 5mg36%
Vitamin K 54ug47%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 460mg36%
Copper, Cu 0.42mg47%
Iron, Fe 4.68mg43%
Magnesium, Mg 90mg22%
Phosphorus, P 410mg33%
Potassium, K 1160mg34%
Selenium, Se 33ug62%
Sodium, Na 1630mg108%
Zinc, Zn 2.94mg27%
Water
Water 360g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Thin & crispy pizza bases

Ideal for any pizza topping you love.

13 Mar 2025

Chocolate semi-freddo

Easy-to-follow recipe.

29 Jan 2025

Tuna steaks with caponata

Perfect for a gourmet dinner treat.

05 Apr 2025

Chilli shrimp spaghetti

Perfect for a cozy dinner date night.

07 Feb 2025

Cranberry and almond biscotti

Enjoy these delightful Cranberry and Almond Biscotti! Made with all-purpose white wheat flour, baking powder, dried cranberries, almonds, sugar, and eggs, this easy-to-follow recipe yields crispy, flavorful biscotti perfect for pairing with your favorite coffee or tea.

02 Feb 2025

Pea risotto cakes

Easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.

09 Feb 2025

Steak florentine

Try it today.

11 Feb 2025

Slow cook risotto

Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

29 Apr 2025

Posts