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Flavorful Veggie Balls

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An easy veggie ball recipe with azuki beans and tomato sauce. A healthy and delicious alternative for any meal.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:51:47 GMT
Flavor-packed veggie balls with fresh herbs in a spiced tomato sauce. Pin it
Flavor-packed veggie balls with fresh herbs in a spiced tomato sauce. | Tastyhush.com

These Azuki bean meatballs have become a go-to plant-based protein option in my kitchen. Originally developed as an alternative to traditional meatballs, their tender texture and subtle sweetness create a satisfying meat-free dish. They're perfect for quick, nutritious meals that don't compromise on flavor.

Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse

The transformation of these small red beans into flavorful, protein-rich meatballs continues to impress. This recipe has been refined over time to achieve the ideal balance of nutrients and taste. Even dedicated meat-eaters are surprised by how satisfying these plant-based meatballs can be.

Essential Ingredients

  • 225g cooked and drained Azuki beans
  • 60g organic rolled oats
  • 1 finely diced onion
  • 1 fresh garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • All-purpose flour for coating
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Method

Initial Preparation
Combine and process ingredients until the mixture reaches a cohesive, cookie dough-like consistency.
Shaping the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized balls, ensuring consistent cooking.
Cooking Process
Pan-fry until golden brown and crispy on the exterior.
Sauce Preparation
Create a complementary sauce to enhance the meatballs.
Final Steps
Allow meatballs to simmer briefly in the sauce before serving.
Des boulettes de viande plongées dans une sauce brune, garnies de persil, présentées sur une assiette blanche. Pin it
Des boulettes de viande plongées dans une sauce brune, garnies de persil, présentées sur une assiette blanche. | Tastyhush.com

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair excellently with basmati rice or fresh pasta. Enhance them with a plant-based yogurt sauce brightened with lemon and herbs. For added complexity, serve with a housemade chili sauce on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap azuki beans for a different type?
Sure, regular red beans work just fine. The taste and texture will be pretty similar.
→ Why chill the veggie balls before cooking?
Letting them sit in the fridge firms them up, making them hold their shape better when cooked.
→ What’s the best way to store these veggie balls?
They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, freeze them uncooked to keep them fresher for longer.
→ Do I really need the sauce?
Not necessarily, but the sauce adds moisture and extra flavor. Feel free to make your own version, too.
→ Can I bake the veggie balls instead of frying?
Totally! Bake them at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes. Brush on a little oil so they brown nicely.

Azuki Bean Balls

Soft and tender veggie balls made with azuki beans, paired with a homemade tomato sauce. A satisfying vegetarian option full of flavor!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Yield: 4 Servings (16 small balls)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 60 g of whole rolled oats.
02 225 g of cooked Azuki beans.
03 A tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped.
04 A clove of garlic.
05 Two medium-sized onions.
06 Two tablespoons of tomato paste.
07 One teaspoon of smoky paprika.
08 A teaspoon of bay leaf.
09 200 ml of veggie broth.
10 Two tablespoons of plain flour.
11 A tablespoon of corn starch.
12 Olive oil for cooking.
13 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the drained beans with the oats, garlic, onion, tomato paste, and spices into a food processor. Blend until you have a smooth, even mixture.

Step 02

Roll the mixture into small balls and let them chill in the fridge for about half an hour.

Step 03

Dust the balls with some flour, then fry them in a pan with hot oil until they turn golden brown on all sides.

Step 04

Saute an onion, stir in the tomato paste, veggie broth, and bay leaf. Use diluted corn starch to thicken it to your liking.

Step 05

Drop the balls into the sauce, let them simmer gently, and sprinkle some parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

  1. Chilling the mixture in the fridge is super important to make sure the balls don’t fall apart.
  2. You can adjust the sauce consistency by adding more or less thickener, depending on what you like.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor.
  • A non-stick frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (from the oats and flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 10 g