Black Bean Meatless Balls and Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” give this meatless dish a unique twist. Zucchini noodles can easily be made with a spiralizer, but cutting them into a julienne works well too. Alternatively, serve these zesty meatballs over your favorite starch, such as pasta or quinoa.

Makes 12 meatless balls, serves 3

• 1 large zucchini, spiralized or julienned
• 1 15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. flaxseed plus 6 tbsp. water (or two eggs)
• Handful fresh parsley, chopped
• Handful fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp. Italian spices
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your favorite marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions 

1. In a small bowl, add flaxseed and water, mix well and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, add the black beans and mash with a fork.
3. Add all the other ingredients and mix well.
4. Once the flaxseed and water has thickened, stir into mixture (alternatively, substitute two eggs).
5. Preheat a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick spray or drizzle with olive oil.
6. Form mixture into balls, add to the frying pan and heat for 2-3 minutes a side, flipping frequently.
7. Meanwhile, spiralize or julienne a medium zucchini and add to another frying pan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, depending on how soft you like them.
8. Top your cooked zucchini noodles with meatballs and your favorite marinara sauce.
9. Enjoy!

The best thing about this recipe is most items can be found at the ARMC Farmers’ Market. Stop by on Wednesday to pick up your fresh items and you can be enjoying this for dinner!

Nutrition Information

Black Bean Meatless Balls and Zucchini Noodles

Servings per Recipe: 3

Amount per Serving Calories: 249
Calories from Fat: 53
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 431mg
Potassium: 350
Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 11g
Protein: 11g
Sugars: 7g
Vitamin A: 12%
Vitamin C: 35%
Calcium: 9%
Iron: 24%

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 2000 calories a day as a reasonable average guideline for most American adults.

This recipe can be found at MeatlessMonday.com and Myra of The Happy Health Freak.