Not Meatballs Recipe – by Jack Monroe

Jack is a chef, a writer, an activist and – since taking part in Veganuary 2016 – a vegan. These Not Meatballs are a firm favourite in the Monroe household, and they’re sure to be in yours too.

Serves

Ingredients

2 aubergines
2 red or white onions
2 cloves garlic
2 red chillis
2 tbsp black olives, finely chopped
6 tbsp oil
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
2 slices bread – either fresh or slightly stale
Handful fresh basil

Method

1. Cut the stems off the ends of the aubergines and halve lengthways. Dice the flesh into small pieces and pop into a medium non-stick saucepan or frying pan.

2. Peel and finely slice the onion and garlic, chop the chilli as finely as you can and add these plus the olives to the aubergine in the pan, along with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Cook on a medium heat for about 10 minutes to brown and soften.

3. Grate over the lemon zest, squeeze in the lemon juice and, once the aubergines are soft, tip everything into a mixing bowl. Grate the bread over the top, finely chop the basil and mix in well. (If it does not mix, try blending and adding more breadcrumbs.)

4. Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls with your hands. Put the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan and carefully fry the aubergine balls in batches until browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with extra lemon juice and torn basil to taste.

Veganuary is a charity inspiring people to try vegan for January and throughout the rest of the year. To take part in the 31-day challenge and receive daily updates, recipes, advice, support as well as offers and competitions, sign up at Veganuary.com

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