Source: blog.giallozafferano.it

Presentation

A nutritious recipe, consisting of a second course prepared with potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, parmigiano, chickpea flour, breadcrumbs, provolone, sesame, extra virgin olive oil, yogurt, mint, lemon, oregano

Ingredients

for 37 meatballs

for the vegetarian meatballs

Zucchini – 2

Potatoes –  2 large

Eggplant – 1 small

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO grated – 5 tablespoons

Chickpea flour – 5 tablespoons

Breadcrumbs – 5 tablespoons

Provolone – 100 g (or other cheese of your choice)

Breadcrumbs – 4 tablespoons (for breading)

Sesame – 1 tablespoon (to add to the breading)

Extra-virgin olive oil – enough for breading

for the mint sauce

Plain yogurt – 1 jar (≈ 170 g / 6 oz / ≈ ¾ cup)

Fresh mint leaves – 6 leaves

Lemon juice – juice of ½ lemon (≈ 15 ml / 1 tablespoon)

Extra-virgin olive oil – 2 teaspoons (10 ml / 0.34 fl oz)

Oregano (optional) – to taste

Garlic (optional) – ½ clove

Method

For the yogurt and mint sauce

Finely chop the mint leaves and garlic

Add them to the yogurt,

Mix with lemon juice and oil

Place in the fridge while preparing the meatballs.

For the vegetarian meatballs:

Peel the potatoes

Wash the zucchini and eggplant.

Cut into chunks and chop everything until all the vegetables are cut into small pieces.

Cook the vegetables in a pan with a little oil for 15-20 minutes, with the lid closed, then without the lid in the last minutes to dry the excess moisture.

Turn off the heat, let it cool and add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, chickpea flour and breadcrumbs.

Mix and finally add the coarsely grated or diced cheese.

Form the meatballs.

Mix toasted sesame seeds with breadcrumbs, in the proportion of 1:4

Turn the meatballs over.

Place them in a lightly greased pan and pour a drizzle of oil over the meatballs as well.

Bake at 200-220°C for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve the veggie meatballs with the mint yogurt sauce.

Allergens

Chickpea flour: contains proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals

Lemon: Lemon intolerance or possible cross-reaction in case of grass pollen allergy

Aubergine: possible individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of grass allergy

Mint: possible cross-reactivity in case of spice allergy

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Oregano: reactivity in case of sensitivity to Lamiaceae (or Labiatae): thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, nepeta

Breadcrumbs: cereals containing gluten included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: contains milk allergens

Potatoes: possible individual intolerance; possible reactivity in case of allergy to Gramineae, Birch, Parietaria

Provolone: contains milk allergens

Sesame seeds: possible cross-reactivity in case of allergy to dried fruit

Yogurt: milk proteins and lactose

Zucchini: possible individual intolerance or cross-reaction in case of allergy to Ambrosia

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Chickpea flour: it provides factors that promote the functionality of the immune system and regulates blood sugar and due to the content of mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants, it acts to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the contribution of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants.

Lemon: Rich in substances with antioxidant action: vitamin C, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote the regeneration of liver cells, the functionality of the immune system and which act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. A species that provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Aubergine: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract the depressed

Mint: source of numerous antioxidants and potassium favorable to cardiovascular and liver function.

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Oregano: provides antioxidants and vitamin E that are conducive to the proper functioning of the immune system

Breadcrumbs: cereals stimulate the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: useful for the proper functioning of the liver

Potatoes: rich in carotenoids and vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune and cardiovascular systems. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Provolone: useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. The presence of tryptophan helps to counteract depression. Contribution of flora useful for the protection and proper functioning of the intestine

Sesame seeds: source of vitamins and minerals, in particular B vitamins, potassium, iron and copper that promote hematopoiesis, fatty acids that support the cardiovascular system, vitamin E, selenium and manganese, polyphenols (antioxidants) that support the immune system.

Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Yoghurt: fermented products rich in lactic ferments that regulate the intestinal flora and promote the functionality of the immune system. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of probiotics, vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. The presence of tryptophan helps to counteract depression

Zucchini: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathics; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants

They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Also intended for individuals suffering from:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Not recommended in case of:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Mucositis (inflammation and injury of the oral cavity)
• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)