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Vegan BBQ Black Bean Meatballs

These vegan BBQ black bean meatballs are adeliciously smoky, flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs, perfect forserving over rice, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer. With homemade BBQ sauce,this dish is a crowd-pleaser, full of plant-based goodness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine vegan
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the "Meat" Balls:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 can 400 ml black beans, strained and drained
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for cooking
  • 1 heaped tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup white onion roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flax seeds
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons molasses optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the "Meat" Balls:

  • In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, black beans, olive oil, tomato paste, sea salt, pepper, garlic, onion, cilantro, flax seeds, paprika, and hot sauce. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) using your hands.
  • Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.

Make the BBQ Sauce:

  • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the hot sauce, crushed tomatoes, white vinegar, coconut sugar, mustard powder, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, add the molasses for extra depth of flavor.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary with salt, pepper, or additional hot sauce.

Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:

  • Add the cooked black bean meatballs to the pan with the BBQ sauce. Toss them gently to coat the meatballs thoroughly in the sauce.
  • Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve:

  • Garnish the BBQ meatballs with fresh chopped mint and serve immediately. They pair perfectly with rice, pasta, or in a sandwich roll for a BBQ sub.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal
Keyword Vegan meatballs
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