Vegetarian spinach and parmesan meatballs in a sesame crust with white sauce

Delicious Vegetarian Spinach and Parmesan Meatballs with Sesame Crust Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a warm, healthy, and flavorful meal? Today, I invite you to discover a savory recipe for vegetarian meatballs with spinach and parmesan, expertly cooked and covered with a crunchy sesame crust. These meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them perfect for any occasion.

A Bit of History
Vegetarian meatballs have a long history in global cuisine, with roots in traditional dishes that used vegetables and grains to create nutritious and flavorful meals. Today, these dishes are appreciated not only by vegans and vegetarians but also by those looking to reduce meat consumption.

Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 3 handfuls of fresh spinach (or baby spinach for a finer texture)
- 100 g creamy telemea cheese
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of quinoa
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 2 heaping tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- a pinch of garlic powder
- a pinch of basil
- a good pinch of salt
- a pinch of baking powder
- a cup of sesame seeds for the crust

For the sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups of milk
- 60 g butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of parmesan
- salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Preparing the Meatballs
1. Boiling the spinach: Start by boiling the spinach in a cup of water for exactly 3 minutes. Then, drain it well in a sieve and chop it finely. This step not only helps remove excess water but also preserves the vibrant green color of the spinach.

2. Preparing the quinoa: In another sieve, rinse the quinoa under cold running water to remove the saponins, which can give a bitter taste. Then, cook the quinoa in two cups of water for 10 minutes over low heat. Once cooked, drain it and transfer it to a large bowl.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the chopped spinach, chia seeds, egg, breadcrumbs, telemea cheese, parmesan, salt, garlic powder, basil, and baking powder to the bowl with quinoa. Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form meatballs the size of golf balls. Then, roll each meatball in the sesame seeds, ensuring they are well coated.

5. Baking: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy on the outside.

Preparing the Sauce
1. In a deep skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and quickly stir to avoid lumps.

2. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to boil and thickens slightly.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk with the sour cream, then add the mixture to the sauce in the skillet.

4. Continue cooking over low heat until the sauce becomes a thicker cream, adjusting the taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

5. Once the meatballs are ready, carefully add them to the sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serving
These meatballs are delicious served warm, either with the prepared white sauce or with a tomato and basil sauce, which adds a fresh and vibrant note. You can accompany them with a crunchy green salad or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.

Practical Tips
- If you don’t have telemea cheese, you can use feta or ricotta for a different texture.
- Substitute chia seeds with flaxseeds or duck eggs for an interesting alternative.
- The meatballs can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to cook them, bake them straight from the freezer, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.

Nutritional Information
These meatballs are rich in protein and fiber due to the quinoa and chia seeds, while spinach provides an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach? Yes, you can try zucchini or grated carrots, adapting the recipe to your preferences.
- What other recommended sauces go well with these meatballs? Tomato-based sauces or yogurt sauces with dill are excellent choices.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be vegan? Replace the egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, which will act as a binder. Also, use vegan cheese.

I hope you will try this delicious recipe for vegetarian meatballs with spinach and parmesan. It is a perfect option for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Bon appétit!