Black Bean Balls

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This week’s recipe is brought to you by the Medical Medium and made by Affordable Wholefoods owner, Denise Carroll. A real crowd-pleaser, the spiced black bean balls in fresh tomato-based sauce can be served with zucchini noodles or fresh pasta for a delicious dinner.

Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups cooked black beans or 1 15 oz can, drained and rinsed
¾ cups gluten-free oats
½ cup diced onion
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ tbsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp smoked paprika
½ tbsp chilli powder (optional)
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
Sea salt, to taste (optional)

Tomato sauce

½ cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups crushed tomatoes
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tsp dried or fresh basil
1 tsp dried or fresh oregano
1 tbsp coconut sugar
½ tsp red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Sea salt, to taste (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Mix the ball ingredients in a food processor or blender.
3. Form the mixture into balls (you should get about 14-16 and cook on a non-stick oven-proof skillet on medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Transfer pan to oven and bake for 20 minutes, until crispy.
4. While the balls are in the oven, in a separate pan, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, coconut sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and sea salt (if using). Cook uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened and the flavours have infused.
5. Add the cooked balls to the pan and coat with sauce. Serve immediately, with noodles/pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Vegan  |  Gluten-Free  |  Dairy-Free