Special Diet Information
Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is NOT safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.
Lactose
This recipe is safe for those who are lactose intolerant.
Sodium
This is a low sodium recipe.
GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.
Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.
Use gluten-free panko in this dish.
"The only thing I like more than talking about food is eating." -John Walters
The refrigerator light goes on...
I first had a version of these at a restaurant but was disappointed in what I was served. The dish looked great on the menu but they were pretty bland. Great concept, but poor execution.
After returning home I worked on this recipe and it did take a few tries to get it right. I like the use of the beans because this brings a stiffness to the balls without having to use too much bread. It also adds a lot of fiber.
These are great to serve with a marinara sauce as a main course or a couple of them drizzled with a little olive oil as an appetizer. You can make the balls smaller and they are great for cocktail parties on their own or with a bit of dip.
Zucchini Balls
Servings: 4 | Serving size: 6 zucchini balls
Cooking time: 45 minutes
This recipe can easily be multiplied and keeps well for about 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Reheat gently. Serve with Tomato Sauce - from Fresh Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce - from Canned Tomatoes or Low Acid Tomato Sauce.
| 4 medium | zucchini (shredded) |
| 2 cloves | garlic (minced) |
| 1/4 tsp. | salt |
| 1 - 15 ounce can | no salt added white beans (drained and rinsed) |
| 1 ounce | Parmigiano Reggiano (grated) |
| 1 tsp. | dried basil |
| 1/2 tsp. | dried oregano |
| 1/2 tsp. | dried marjoram |
| 1/2 tsp. | dried thyme |
| 1/4 tsp. | dried tarragon |
| 2 medium | green onions (thinly sliced crosswise, keeping the white and green parts separate) |
| 2 cups | panko or gluten free panko |
| 1 large | egg |
| 4 tsp. | olive oil |
After shredding the zucchini, place half in a large clean dishtowel.
Close the towel around the zucchini and pull the ends together, twisting into a pouch.
Twist the top of the towel where it is closed to squeeze the liquid out of the zucchini.
Place the zucchini in a large mixing bowl and repeat with the other half to squeeze the water out through the dish towel.
Place the garlic, salt, white beans, parmesan, basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, tarragon, and the white part of the green onions in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
Place the bean mixture in the bowl with the zucchini and add the green part of the green onions and the panko.
Fold together until well blended.
Add the egg and fold together until well blended.
Form into 24 1-inch balls.
Place a cookie sheet in the oven and preheat to 400°F.
Place 2 teaspoons of the olive oil on the heated cookie sheet and arrange the zucchini balls so that they don't touch each other.
Bake 10 minutes and turn over.
Bake 10 minutes and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Turn twice more to optimize even cooking of the zucchini balls.
Set the oven to broil and cook for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 6 zucchini balls
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
| Calories 420 | Calories from Fat 110 |
| % Daily Value |
| Total Fat 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat 4.5g | 23% |
| Monounsaturated Fat 4g | |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium 449mg | 19% |
| Total Carbohydrates 55g | 18% |
| Dietary Fiber 8g | 32% |
| Sugars 6g | |
| Protein 22g |
| Vitamin A 10% | Vitamin C 60% |
| Calcium 15% | Iron 20% |
| Vitamin K 44mcg | Potassium 954mg |