Monday, April 2, 2012

walnut bella "meatball" subs

 i can safely say before going vegan that i have ever had a meatball sub.
meatball pizza - yes! (the best one around was from the old corner deli)

i was introduced to the world of "meatball" subs by Justin. we use to make them fairly often on Saturday nights at the beginning of our relationship.

efforts are being made to avoid "mock meats", they just don't seem to agree with me any longer.
the other day, after seeing a pin for a meatball sub a little craving started to form, then it was all i could think about. my mission this weekend: to create my own tasty "meatball" sub.  i consider this the grown up version of an all American favorite.

walnut bella
the ingredients for the walnut bella 'meatballs" may seem a little strange - but trust me on this, these will be the best balls you ever tasted. hmm that doesn't sound right...moving on.
walnuts, baby bella's, dates, savory spice & parsley are mixed with fresh bread crumbs and a flax egg
walnut bella
then formed into balls a heaping tablespoon at a time.
gluten free option: replace the bread crumbs with a gluten free bread or leave out completely with the flax egg - minus these two ingredients will yield about 6 balls or 2 servings.
walnut bella
while your "meatballs" are cooking, yellow bell pepper, shallot and grape tomatoes are sauteed and finished with a splash of balsamic, resulting in a very grown up alternative to the basic tomato sauce


walnut bella walnut bella

walnut bella
toast a few sub rolls
walnut bella
and assemble

walnut bella walnut bella

the subs come together in about 30 minutes. you could easily bake up a batch over the weekend and reheat throughout the week. they would be perfect with pasta or on a pizza.
walnut bella
served with a side of BBQ sweet potato chips and a beer -
this was the perfect Saturday afternoon lunch.


walnut bella walnut bella

walnut bella
 hands down the best "meatball" sub i've ever  had - i can't wait for leftovers tomorrow!
walnut bella
Walnut Bella "meatball"  Subs
makes 12 "meatballs" & veggie filling for 2 subs

you will need:

for the walnut bella "meatballs"
1 cup walnuts* 

*For a nut-free version use pepitas (raw hulled pumpkin seeds)
4oz baby bella mushrooms - cut in half
1tsp all purpose savory seasoning
4 sprigs fresh parsley
4 medjool dates- pitted
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp olive oil
1 cup fresh bread crumbs (1 slice of bread)
1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax & 3tbsp warm water, mixed and set aside for 5 minutes)

for the veggie filling
1/2 orange bell pepper sliced into strips
1 cup grape tomatoes cut in half
1/2 large shallot sliced
1 tsp olive oil
pinch of salt
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 sub rolls toasted
parsley for garnish

assembly:
preheat oven to 400*

finely grind the slice of bread into crumbs in a food processor - transfer crumbs to a small bowl & set aside.
in the food processor, finely ground 1 cup walnuts, half of the mushrooms, seasoning & parsley until well mixed. the mixture should be a bit moist from the walnuts. transfer mixture to a medium mixing bowl.

add dates and remaining mushrooms to the processor until well ground. with a rubber spatula transfer date/mushroom mixture to the bowl with the walnut mixture. add bread crumbs, olive oil, salt and flax egg - mix well.

a heaping tablespoon at a time form a ball with the mixture - place on a parchment lined baking sheet. continue 12 times until all the mixture has been formed into balls.

bake for 15-20 minutes until brown.

while the "meatballs" are baking - prep your veggies.
in a medium saute pan over medium/high heat - add oil, once oil is heated add veggies and saute. caramelized bits are good. towards the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the balsamic to de glaze the pan. continue to cook until balsamic is reduced to 1/2 - you are looking to create a glaze of balsamic on the veggies. remove from heat and set aside.

when you have about 2-3 minutes of cooking time left on the "meatballs" place 2 sub rolls cut side down on the upper rack of the oven.

once the "meatballs" are done cooking, remove from the oven along with the sub rolls. allow the "meatballs" to cool for about 3 minutes.

assemble the subs by placing half the veggie mixture into the roll, top with walnut bella "meatballs" and garnish with parsley

leftover "meatballs" can be stored in an airtight container for up to week and reheated as needed or frozen on a cookie sheet and stored in a freezer bag for later use.

enjoy!




Yum

82 comments:

  1. These look really great - and I love the simple ingredient list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting Kiersten! You have an adorable blog, I will definitely be stopping by for a visit again to look around :)

      Delete
  2. So. Brilliant.

    I've played around with making 'meat' out of nuts befre, but these meatballs... with the portabella, and the seasonings, and the flax, and the dates... seriously making me salivate, over here. So jealous of your leftovers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL I just finished the leftovers with a bit of marinara sauce - OMG so good!

      Delete
    2. Hey - wanted to let you know I just nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award! :D

      Check out my post to see the rules: http://willcookforfriends.blogspot.com/2012/04/sams-grilled-cheese-and-versatile.html

      Delete
    3. You are the best bloggin' buddy eva Willow :)

      Delete
  3. wow, these look amazing! i used to love meatball subs..must try this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that you repinned these as "for Dayv" - you are so cute! Is he a fan of "meatballs"?

      Delete
    2. haha thanks! he told me recently he is more open to trying new foods, so i thought this would be a great thing to make. it looks delicious!

      Delete
  4. wow...This looks delicious! Great idea. Do the date add a little sweetness?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just a hint of sweetness which gives the "meatballs" a great balance of savory and sweet, which I love!

      Delete
  5. Shaking head in disbelief? Check. Pinned? Check. Telling Heather she needs to share her creativity in the Kitchen? YOU NEED TO SHARE YOUR CREATIVITY IN THE KITCHEN!!! Check.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This coming for the queen of creativity of herself - I am honored :)

      And you are pure awesomness for repinning!

      Delete
    2. You are pure awesomeness for creating this! Pinning it is a total DUH! Of course I did :)

      Delete
  6. Wow, no Taco Bell... No meatball subs... what in the world did you eat? ;) These look delish by the way, and I've been looking for a new "meat"ball recipe, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Barb - believe me growning up I lived off of a partially horrible diet, peeps, little debbie snack and McD's - I just shake my head at how I use to eat years ago!

      Delete
  7. Oh my goodness these look fantastic! I've never had a meatball sub either, and never will (at least not the traditional ones). I will have to make this and see what I've been missing :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You definitely have to try these Gabby- they are so addicting in a good way!

      Delete
  8. I just found your blog from The Shiksa in the Kitchen.

    This is such an amazing idea. Dates are such incredible binders in raw dessert balls. I would have never made the conceptual leap to savory meatballs. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for Stopping by and visiting!

      I love the binding quality of dates, they were a perfect addition to this recipe - I couldnt have been happier with the end result!

      Delete
  9. What a clever idea! I agree with Cara - lots of creativity in the kitchen here!

    I am not a fan of fake meats either (never have been), but I stay away from any processed food anyway so it doesn't matter to me :)
    These look absolutely beautiful, though. A tasty "meatball" sub made with walnuts (which I love)? I'M IN!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They were almost too pretty to eat...almost. These totally beat the socks off any processed "meatball" :)

      Delete
  10. Finally a decadent recipe for 'meat' balls - live these do much (I bet would tasted awesome in a fried cheese batter served with pasta sauce!)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The leftovers I had with Marinara - so good!

      Delete
  11. I love how you created such a meaty meatball by using walnuts and mushrooms instead of fake meat products. With the peppers and tomatoes, these are definitely a more sophisticated and gourmet meatball sub compared to the traditional kind (which I've never eaten either)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They were SO easy to make too - the veggies would totally be delish all on their own as well :)

      Delete
  12. i think this is what i am going to feed the tempeh and tofu hating meat eating friends of mine.. this is super amazingly deliciousness and did i say so pretty! i dont like fake meat either! i agree with Cara too.. some genius at work in your head there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tofu Tempeh haters? what kind of crowd are you running with Richa!

      Delete
  13. *hehehehehehe* Loved your joke about the balls. Made me giggle. :)

    I've never had a meatball sandwich before, but now I am very tempted to try this out. Love that you used natural ingredients. I'm finding that the fake meat products are not agreeing with me either. I hate how processed so much of that stuff is. Cannot wait to try this recipe out Heather :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here, I've noticed that my tastes/palate has been changning lately and craving whole foods and simple meals - maybe its the change in season :)

      Delete
  14. Oh. My. Heavens. THIS LOOKS DELICIOUS! Which means I need to find a vegan/gluten free bread I actually like so I can enjoy this sandwich properly.

    PS - I had never had a meatball sub before going vegan, either ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bet Richa has a pretty tasty Gluten Free Sub roll she could whip up for you!

      ...I do have to say they were pretty tasty with a bit a marinara :)

      Delete
  15. These look so good! We use mushrooms in burgers - they seem to add a great texture! To make these SCD legal or gluten free I would use dried cooked navy beans instead of the breadcrumbs and a bit of almond flour, I don't think I'd even need to use an egg (flax seeds aren't allowed on SCD).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could totally make those substitutions - let me know how they turn out with your adjustments!

      Delete
  16. Oooooh, these look so great! Really fantastic recipe! :-)
    Katy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - I thought they tasted pretty fantastic too :)

      Delete
  17. These sound great! I'm going to try making them soon. Thanks for posting the recipe. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU for stopping by for a visit; I hope you love them as much as I did!

      Delete
    2. Made them yesterday - super amazing!

      Delete
    3. YOU are super amazing for making these - I am so glad you liked them :)

      Delete
  18. Have these in the oven right now! So excited to put them on my spaghetti!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YAY! I made them a second time last week for my book club with marinara sauce as an app (a group of non vegan's) and they were the first to disappear - enjoy them with your pasta!

      Delete
  19. I bet those meatballs are delicious! Something sweet is so good in savory dishes! The pictures are gorgeous as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the comment Vicky! I love the combo of savory and sweet!

      Delete
  20. I found these via pinterest. Just made them, am eating them now and had to run over here and tell you THANK YOU - YUM!!! I just love that they are made with all natural ingredients and are so easy to put together. These will be a staple.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to read your comment - I am SO glad that you made them and loved them!

      Delete
  21. I was raised a vegetarian snd although I do eat meat now, I still love great vegetarian dishes. My mom's recipe did not have dates but otherwise is similar. These sound yummy and I love to balance savory with sweet. Will try them sometime soon. Would work as appetizer meatballs too eith grape jelly and bbq sauce or A1.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I came across this on Pinterest and had to make it. Your pictures are beautiful. My usual "meat"ball recipe uses walnuts and seitan, and I love that one - but your recipe was so much easier and faster to make, but just as delicious! This will be my go-to from now on. I omitted the dates (I was afraid they might make it too sweet)... I also added some Italian seasoning. Otherwise, I followed the recipe and they turned out perfectly! I served over angel hair pasta with primavera sauce. Quick weeknight dinner with delicious results! Looking forward to having the leftovers in a sub tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for stopping by - this is by far one of my favorite recipes (I actually made these for Valentines day!) I hope you enjoyed the leftovers in your sub :)....I am totally craving these now and it is 9am :)

      Delete
  23. I saw your "meatball" recipe in the Meatout Monday newsletter and hope to try it soon. I'm not vegan, or even a vegetarian, but I love vegetarian food, and I'm trying to eat more vegan meals. Two questions:

    I'm allergic to walnuts and pecans. Do you think cashews would be a good substitute for the walnuts?

    Could you be more specific about the "all purpose savory seasoning"? Two came to mind that I often use: No-Salt Added Garlic and Herb Seasoning, and old-fashioned Seasoned Salt. The results would be very different, depending on which was used, and you might have something else in mind (Spike? Mrs. Dash Original? Lemon-Pepper?)

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! I have used raw hulled sunflower seeds with great success - I think the cashews would give you a more creamy vs meaty texture, but it may be worth a try if you don't have sunfower seeds on hand or hae a dislike for them. I used an all purpose italian seasoning- The no salt added garlic and herb would be perfect! Let me know if you have any additional questions :)

      Delete
  24. These are wonderful! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Made these tonight (with a few tweaks) and they were very good! Thank you for a great recipe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping over and sharing! They are one of my favorite weeknight meals, also super good for spaghetti & meatball nights!

      Delete
  26. Hi, Cant stand mushrooms, could these be made using anything else? Tofu? Tempeh? Eggplant maybe?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmmm roasted eggplant or a firm tofu may work- I can't say for certain as I never have tried this with anything other than mushrooms- if you do venture and try with another ingredient other than mushrooms let me know how it worked out!

      Delete
  27. Hi, could I make these the night before, and cook them up the next day? I'm going to make them as a vegan alternative burger for my Halloween get-together :)

    Thanks, Cathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! I have done this in the past for parties and it works out just fine :)

      Delete
    2. do these freeze well precooked? i like the idea of using them as a burger but was wondering if i could make the "meat", shape into burgers, wrap and freeze before cooking

      Delete
    3. I have not tried precook method but I can tell you I have always cooked my veggie burgers prior to freezing, then would either recook in the oven or pan fry which has never failed me. :)

      Delete
  28. awesome recipe...I substituted prunes for dates. I was great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice substitute! So happy you liked the recipe, it is still one of my favorites!

      Delete
  29. This looks fantastic. Can't wait to try these. For gluten free did I leave out the bread and the flax egg or just the bread? Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. When it comes to our health eating right and becoming aware of how certain vitamins and foods can affect our health and even our skin, we are a step closer to a protective shield where it comes to our self esteem. glitter in bulk

    ReplyDelete
  32. Pro Dissertation Writing is here to provide quality Best Dissertation Writing Services to help students getting over the pressure situation.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Paper Lords is one of the leading Academic Writing Services in uk provider agency in the United Kingdom.
    We have been offering our services in the market for over 5 triumphant years.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Best MCA Aged Leads is your long-run strategic growth partner with expertise within the MCA Live Transfer leads and various business loans. We have a tendency to focus on targeted campaigns and end-to-end lead generation services bound to bring best, exceptional results for our shoppers.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Nice to be visiting your blog once more, it has been months for me. Well this article that ive been waited for therefore long.
    i want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has same topic together with your article. Thanks, nice share.

    Try to check my blog: 대구오피
    (jk)

    ReplyDelete
  37. ด่วน !! สมัครสมาชิก เติมเงินครั้งแรรก รับโบนัส100% ทันที ฝาก100รับ200 สล็อตโรม่า เครดิตฟรี 10รับ100 รวมเโปรสล็อตทุนน้อย pgฝาก100รับ200 ไม่ต้องทำเทิร์น จากทุกเว็บดัง เล่นผ่านเว็บตรง โปรใหม่มาแรง ถอนไม่อั้น รองรับวอเลท สล็อตฝาก100รับ200ล่าสุด

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey friend, thank you so much for Superb post once again. you have unique content on your website. I'm glad to read it out. - John Deere 5050d

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nice post! Keep sharing it in future. I am always searching for quality content to read and I am getting this in your post - massey tractor 241

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is a very helpful and interesting article. As a result, I'd like to thank you for taking the time and effort to write this article. Look at this article PS5 Controller Keeps Disconnecting From PC [Solved 2022] . If you're playing a game at home and your PS5 Controller keeps disconnecting from your PC, read this article to figure out how to fix it.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I really liked visiting your web site and very good blog and information given to us, thank you
    Exide Commercial Vehicle.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hoping all your dreams come true and that you find joy in every little moment. Wishing you endless happiness!
    My Site:XeCauHoangDat


    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by - your comments make my day!