Easy Dinner Recipe: Zucchini Meatballs with Garlic Sauce
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner option? These zucchini meatballs are a winner every time! With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a nutritious meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis
- 250 g of rice
- 200 g of ricotta
- 80 g of breadcrumbs
- 60 g of grated Parmesan
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 500 ml of water + as needed
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Herbes de Provence
- Black pepper
Subheading: Garlic Sauce Ingredients
- 50 g of light mayonnaise
- 50 g of Greek yogurt
- 1 clove of minced garlic
- Chopped dill
Preparation of Meatballs
- Grate the zucchinis and place them in a bowl.
- Salt the grated zucchinis and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchinis and transfer them to a clean bowl.
- Add ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and herbs. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a pan, sauté onion and carrot in olive oil until softened.
- Add the rice, water, salt, pepper, and spices to the pan.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
Making the Garlic Sauce
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and chopped dill.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Serving
- Once the meatballs are cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
- Serve the meatballs with the rice and garlic sauce on the side.
- Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Health Benefits
Zucchinis are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. This recipe provides a healthy dose of vegetables and protein, making it a balanced meal option.
Variations
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchinis to prevent the meatballs from being too watery.
- For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for a few minutes after baking.
- Double the recipe and freeze extra meatballs for future meals.