Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, garlic, salt and 2/8 teaspoon of the black pepper and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened.
Add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Add parsley and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
Make the spinach meatballs: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, sundried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and egg whites until combined. Stir in garlic powder, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper and 6 tablespoons flour. Form mixture into small, firm balls.
Place 1 cup flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge the formed balls in flour to coat, tapping off the excess. Drop formed balls into the boiling water (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot).
Boil for about 4 minutes, or until balls float to the top. With a slotted spoon, remove balls and toss with the tomato sauce. Serve warm.
Meatballs without meat? Is that possible? It sure is! These spinach meatballs are just as good as the “real thing” but the vegetarian meatballs are made from spinach, sundried tomatoes, ricotta, parmesan cheese and egg whites, along with some seasoning. That means you’ll get all the nutrients that are packed into the veggies (spinach and tomatoes are nutritional powerhouses!) while enjoying satisfying comfort food. The homemade tomato sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these heart-healthy meatballs and rounds out the meal. Serve these healthy meatballs as a main dish or an appetizer. Kids will enjoy this dish as much as adults – and they may not even know they’re eating something good for them!
Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, garlic, salt and 2/8 teaspoon of the black pepper and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened.
Add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Add parsley and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
Make the spinach meatballs: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, sundried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and egg whites until combined. Stir in garlic powder, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper and 6 tablespoons flour. Form mixture into small, firm balls.
Place 1 cup flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge the formed balls in flour to coat, tapping off the excess. Drop formed balls into the boiling water (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot).
Boil for about 4 minutes, or until balls float to the top. With a slotted spoon, remove balls and toss with the tomato sauce. Serve warm.
Thank you!