Ingredients
Scale
For the meatless “meatballs”:
- 3/4 lb. of grilled eggplant, peeled & chopped (weighed after peeling)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled & chopped
- 1 1/2 cups of breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded Italian and/or Swiss cheese (I used Asiago & Swiss)
- 1 egg
- 2 – 3 teaspoons of Greek seasoning (recipe here – or use store bought)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Red Robin Seasoning (or salt) & freshly ground pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 small onion, peeled & chopped
- 1 clove garlic, peeled & chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 cups pureed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grilled Greek eggplant, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste) & freshly ground pepper, to taste
For the top: crumbled feta cheese (best if marinated – recipe here) & fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Prick eggplant(s) with a fork and grill until soft. Remove from grill and let cool. The flesh should slip right out of the skin. Put the eggplant in a mini food processor and pulse a few times.
- In a small frying pan, heat the oil, then saute the onion and garlic in the oil until soft.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the eggplant, onion mixture, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and seasonings. Form into balls, then bake at 375 F. for 20 – 25 minutes or until firm and browned.
- While the “meatballs” are baking, make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, cumin, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Cook and swirl for a minute or so to toast the spices, then add the onion and garlic and saute until soft.
- Stir in the red wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely evaporated, then add the tomatoes, eggplant, sugar, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. If desired, puree the sauce in a blender or food processor.
Notes
RECIPE SOURCE: http://www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com/
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