Black Bean Meatless Balls and Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” give this meatless dish a unique twist. Alternatively, serve these zesty meatballs over your favorite starch, such as pasta or quinoa. This recipe comes to us from Myra of The Happy Health Freak.

Makes 12 meatless balls. Serves 3.

Cooking Tip of the Week: Zucchini noodles can easily be made with a spiralizer, but cutting them into a julienne works well too.

Food For Thought: Black beans are a great source of soluble fiber, which can help promote heart health. They’re also rich in protein, antioxidants, iron, calcium, potassium, and other nutrients. That’s why they’re known as a superfood!

Conversation Starter: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

Ingredients:

• 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. ground flaxseed (or flaxseed meal) 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

Directions:

Together: Spiralize or julienne zucchini.

Kid: In a small bowl, add flaxseed and water, mix well and set aside.

Adult: Open can of black beans.

Kid: Drain and rinse black beans in a colander. In a medium bowl, add the black beans and mash with a fork.

Adult: Dice shallot and mince garlic.

Kid: Measure out bread crumbs and Italian spices. Rip parsley and basil leaves from stem.

Adult: Chop parsley and basil.

Kid: Add shallot, garlic, bread crumbs, parsley, basil, and Italian spices in with black beans. Mix well.

Together: Once the flaxseed and water has thickened, stir into mixture (alternatively, substitute two eggs).

Adult: Preheat a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick spray or drizzle with olive oil.

Together: Form mixture into balls.

Adult: Add black bean balls to the frying pan and heat for 2-3 minutes a side, flipping frequently. Meanwhile add spiralized or julienned zucchini to another frying pan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, depending on how soft you like them.

Together: Top your cooked zucchini noodles with meatballs and your favorite marinara sauce.