"Impossible" Meatballs & Tomato Sauce
Plant based, meat substitutes are all the rage these days and although I am not a Vegan, I had to investigate. The two most popular companies making these “faux” meats are “Beyond Meat” and “Impossible” Meat. After experimenting with both I have decided that “Impossible” is the better product, and it’s incredible. Although “Beyond” is great too, it has a bit of a bizarre smell and aftertaste (which repeats on me to be honest lol). My husband and I have enjoyed the “Impossible” Meat as burgers and as these Meatballs and WOW it is unbelievable how much it tastes and feels like real meat. If you are vegan or just trying to cut down on red meat and also pack in the protein, this is the dish for you! I am obsessed!
Simple Tomato Sauce-
Ingredients-
1/2 a Medium Yellow Onion, Peeled and Diced
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced Finely
Salt & Pepper to Taste
1 Large Can of San Marzano Crushed Tomato
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
Pinch of White Granulated Sugar
Garnish with Fresh Basil (optional)
Serve over Pasta, Banza Chickpea Pasta, Zucchini Noodles and more!
Steps-
Heat a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add the Olive Oil and the diced onion and red pepper flakes. Sweat until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes stirring constantly. Add a hefty pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
Add the Crushed Tomato and stir, continuing to cook on low heat. Allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes to get the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick to the pan and burn. If you are losing too much liquid from evaporation, top the pot with a lid. While the sauce is simmering, make your meatballs!
After about 30-40 minutes add a pinch of sugar. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. Tear some fresh leaves of basil and add them to the sauce.
“Impossible” (Vegan) Meatballs-
1 Package (12oz) Impossible “Meat”
1 Egg Yolk (Leave out if you are vegan, it is not 100% necessary)
1/8 to 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Oregano (as much as you prefer)
1/8 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
Dash of Salt and Pepper
1/4 Cup of Seasoned Breadcrumbs (I like 4C brand) (If you are vegan make sure the crumbs you purchase have no cheese in them)
Steps-
Mix all the ingredients together with you hands in a medium size bowl.
Make small 1.5 inch meatballs with your hands and set aside on a tray.
You can cook these several different ways including in an air-fryer (12-15 mins), in an oven on a sheet tray drizzled with olive oil on 400F (10-15 mins) or pan fry them in a blend of vegetable oil and extra virgin olive oil. I cooked mine in my Dash air-fryer for 15 minutes and they were crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and perfect! And no added grease or mess!
After the balls are cooked add them to your pot of tomato sauce. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes before enjoying. This helps the flavors to really meld together!
Serve on their own, with veggies or over pasta or zucchini noodles! I tossed my sauce and meatballs with Banza Chickpea Pasta!
Enjoy!