Zucchini Veggie Meatballs

by

Embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean with our Zucchini Veggie Meatballs, a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs that come together to form the perfect meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a healthy meal option, these meatballs offer a wonderful mix of taste and nutrition, with each bite filled with the goodness of zucchini, carrots, and potatoes.

Not only are these meatballs easy to prepare, but they also bring a touch of Mediterranean cuisine to your dining table, making them an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. The accompanying sauce, a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh dill, perfectly complements the savory notes of the meatballs, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 zucchinis
    • Salt
    • 2 carrots
    • 2 potatoes
    • Spring onions
    • 2 eggs
    • Garlic
    • 3 tablespoons semolina
    • Black pepper
    • Mayonnaise (60 gr / 1/4 cup)
    • Greek yogurt (60 gr / 1/4 cup)
    • 1 cucumber
    • Dill
    • Olive oil
  • Directions:
    • Grate the zucchinis and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
    • Grate the carrots and potatoes. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the potatoes and zucchinis.
    • Chop the spring onions.
    • In a bowl, mix the grated carrots, potatoes, zucchinis, spring onions, eggs, minced garlic, semolina, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and chopped dill to make the sauce.
    • Form the mixture into meatballs and fry them in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on both sides.
    • Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    • Serve the zucchini meatballs with the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 34 minutes | Total Time: 59 minutes | Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Full of Flavor: These meatballs combine the subtle sweetness of carrots and the starchy comfort of potatoes, enhanced by the fresh zing of zucchini.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just under an hour, this recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Healthy: Packed with vegetables and cooked with minimal oil, these meatballs are low in calories but high in fiber and essential nutrients.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

  • Zucchinis: High in water and fiber, zucchinis are excellent for digestion. They also contain significant amounts of vitamins B6, riboflavin, and manganese, which are essential for overall health.
  • Carrots: Known for their beta-carotene content, which promotes good vision, carrots also offer vitamins A, K, and potassium.
  • Potatoes: Provide a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, and are known for their carbohydrate content that offers energy.
  • Eggs: Serve as a binding agent in the meatballs, while providing high-quality protein and essential amino acids.

Cooking Tips

  • Draining Vegetables: Make sure to thoroughly drain the grated zucchini and potatoes to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soggy.
  • Browning: Properly browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking them helps to develop a delightful crust that enhances their texture.
  • Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other herbs such as basil or thyme to the meatball mixture for different flavor profiles.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Zucchini Veggie Meatballs is not only delicious but also incredibly balanced, offering about 320 calories with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The inclusion of fresh vegetables ensures a boost of dietary fiber and essential nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

  • As a Main Dish: Serve these meatballs with a side of whole-grain pasta or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • Appetizer: They make a fantastic appetizer when served with toothpicks and the creamy yogurt and dill sauce.
  • On the Go: These meatballs are great for packing into a lunchbox for a fulfilling meal at work or school.

Why This Recipe Works

The Zucchini Veggie Meatballs are a testament to how versatile and flavorful vegetarian dishes can be. They combine healthful ingredients into a tasty dish that’s easy to prepare and universally enjoyed. The accompanying sauce is a creamy, tangy complement that perfectly cuts through the richness of the meatballs, making every bite as satisfying as it is healthy.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing a week’s worth of lunches, or making something special for guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its delightful flavors and health benefits.