Get ready to revolutionize your plant-based dinner game with a mouthwatering recipe that proves vegan cuisine can be just as satisfying and delicious as traditional meals! Our Vegan Spaghetti and White Bean Balls are about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of hearty, protein-packed bean balls and classic Italian-inspired flavors that will have even meat-lovers asking for seconds. Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked spaghetti, topped with crispy, golden bean balls smothered in rich marinara sauce - this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the drained and rinsed white beans using a fork or potato masher until they form a slightly chunky paste.
- Add breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Using your hands, form the bean mixture into small, compact balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake the bean balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy on the outside.
- While the bean balls are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the marinara sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add half of the warm marinara sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Plate the spaghetti, top with the baked bean balls, and drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the dish.
- Garnish with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra crispy bean balls, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the white beans before mashing.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform-sized bean balls for even cooking.
- Don't skip the nutritional yeast - it adds a delicious cheesy flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like ground rolled oats or almond flour.
- Ensure your bean balls are compact when forming them to prevent crumbling during baking.
- Let the bean balls rest for a few minutes after baking to help them firm up before serving.
- For added flavor, try roasting the bean balls with a light spray of olive oil before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
