Vegetarian mushroom ‘meatballs’

Discover a delightful twist on classic comfort food with our Vegetarian Mushroom ‘Meatballs’. Made with hearty quinoa, savory mushrooms, and aromatic herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme, these meatballs offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta sauce, they make a satisfying and nutritious meal for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

  • 23 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 35 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 12 Ingredients

Vegetarian mushroom ‘meatballs’

Vegetarian mushroom 'meatballs' are a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs. Packed with flavors from fresh herbs, quinoa, mushrooms, and a medley of spices, this recipe offers a fulfilling dish that can easily be paired with pasta, salads, or served as appetizers. It's perfect for those looking to enjoy a meatless meal without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
60g
1 onion
160g
1 bunch fresh parsley
54g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tsp dried oregano
5g
1 tbsp fresh thyme
16g
1 tsp paprika
5g
1/3 cup mushrooms
72g
2 tbsp tomato puree
30g
1 cup quinoa
230g
1 egg
50g
1/3 cup pasta sauce
72g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa:
1. Begin by cooking the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
2. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the quinoa to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the finely chopped mushrooms, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and paprika. Cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix in the tomato puree and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Combine Ingredients:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, the sautéed vegetable mixture, finely chopped parsley, and the beaten egg. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Form the Meatballs:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a baking sheet with the remaining olive oil (or use parchment paper for easier cleanup).
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into meatball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and golden brown. You may want to turn them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
6. Serve:
1. Warm up the pasta sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
3. Serve the meatballs topped with the warm pasta sauce. You can also garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Tips:

- Finely dice the onions and mushrooms to ensure a smooth mixture for the meatballs. This helps them stick together better.

- Cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs.

- If the mixture seems too wet, add a small amount of breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together.

- Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the meatballs. This will make them easier to shape and less likely to fall apart during cooking.

- To ensure even cooking, make sure all meatballs are similar in size. Use a small ice cream scoop or a spoon to measure out the mixture.

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to get an even, crispy exterior.

Serving up these vegetarian mushroom 'meatballs' is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meat-free meal. With their hearty texture and rich flavors, they are sure to be a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Pair them with your favorite pasta sauce, or serve them over quinoa or rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size190 grams
Energy
Calories 140kcal7%
Protein
Protein 6g4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 22g6%
Fiber 5g13%
Sugar 4.95g5%
Fat
Fat 18g21%
Saturated 2.76g9%
Cholesterol 50mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 120ug13%
Choline 70mg12%
Vitamin B1 0.13mg11%
Vitamin B2 0.27mg20%
Vitamin B3 2.25mg14%
Vitamin B6 0.25mg15%
Vitamin B9 72ug19%
Vitamin B12 0.14ug6%
Vitamin C 24mg26%
Vitamin E 1.80mg12%
Vitamin K 240ug198%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 90mg7%
Copper, Cu 0.28mg31%
Iron, Fe 3.10mg28%
Magnesium, Mg 60mg15%
Phosphorus, P 170mg13%
Potassium, K 500mg15%
Selenium, Se 10ug18%
Sodium, Na 110mg7%
Zinc, Zn 1.28mg12%
Water
Water 140g-
* 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

Cheesy salmon pie

Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

10 Apr 2025

Kulebyaka

Elevate your culinary repertoire with this elegant and delicious Russian-inspired pie.

14 May 2025

Chicken nasi goreng

Made with aromatic basmati rice, tender chicken thighs, fresh scallions, and topped with perfectly cooked eggs and vibrant coriander leaves for a deliciously satisfying meal.

01 Apr 2025

Mushroom bolognaise with spaghetti

Serve over perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting dinner the whole family will love.

29 Mar 2025

Beef, pickled cucumber and soba noodle salad

Ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

15 Mar 2025

Lamb meatball saganaki

Perfect for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress.

24 Mar 2025

Keto shrimp and peppers

Enjoy a nutritious meal packed with protein and essential nutrients while keeping your carbs in check.

31 May 2025

Posts