Baked chickpea and eggplant balls with tomato sauce

Baked Chickpea and Eggplant Balls with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish? Try our Baked Chickpea and Eggplant Balls with Tomato Sauce recipe! This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a meatless alternative that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients (serves 4):

For the balls:

- 1 large eggplant, peeled and diced
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced eggplant, chickpeas, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and chickpea balls and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the balls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. While the balls are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
8. Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
9. Serve the baked chickpea and eggplant balls with the tomato sauce on top.
Appearance and Taste:
These baked chickpea and eggplant balls with tomato sauce are a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that is sure to impress. The balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a savory flavor that is perfectly complemented by the tangy tomato sauce. The dish is visually appealing, with the bright red sauce contrasting beautifully with the golden brown balls.
Type of Dish: Vegetarian Appetizer
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Chickpeas, Tomato Sauce