Italian Black Bean Vegan "Meatballs"

Prepared and photographed by NutraMilk nutritionist, Florencia Tagliavini.

Recipe inspired by Running To The Kitchen.

These nourishing vegan ¨meat balls¨ have a similar texture to real meat balls and they are super flavorful thanks to our special ingredient, fresh macadamia nut butter. Filled with all the right nutrients including plant-protein, heart- healthy fats, loads of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are perfect served over spaghetti, noodles or rice. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2 tablespoons warm water)
• 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tbsp. macadamia nut butter made with the NutraMilk
• 1 small carrot, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups GF rolled oats
• 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste

For macadamia nut butter

• 2 cups (270g) raw macadamia nuts

INSTRUCTIONS

• Start by making fresh macadamia nut butter with the NutraMilk:
• Place macadamia nuts in the NutraMilk container.
• Press Butter cycle, set for 4-5 minutes.
• Press Start.
• Open the container lid. If necessary, set for an additional minute for a creamier butter.

• Make the flax egg by combining the flaxseed and water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the NutraMilk and ¨Mix¨ until roughly chopped and combined.
• Add the flax egg and continue to ¨Mix¨ until well combined and able to stick together but not mushy.

• Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Preheat oven 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
• Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop meatball mixture into wet hands and gently roll into a ball. Place on baking sheet and continue with remaining mixture.

• Bake for 10 minutes then use a metal spatula to carefully flip each meatball and bake for another 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. You can simmer in your favorite marinara sauce in a skillet on the stove top for a minutes as well and then serve over pasta, zoodles, cauliflower rice or any other way you desire.