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Main-Dish Nut Balls

Main-Dish Nut Balls recipe image
These Main-Dish Nut Balls are a comforting, plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs, offering a satisfying texture and deep, savory flavor. By blending sunflower seeds, cashews, and peanuts, you create a robust base that holds together beautifully when mixed with whole grain breadcrumbs and aromatic spices like celery seed and basil. The mixture is formed into walnut-sized spheres and gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and the balls to heat through without falling apart. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, providing a hearty meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Serve them over whole grain spaghetti or with a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced plate that appeals to both vegans and omnivores alike. Simple ingredients come together to create a memorable main course that is easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 568.2
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
These Main-Dish Nut Balls are a comforting, plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs, offering a satisfying texture and deep, savory flavor. By blending sunflower seeds, cashews, and peanuts, you create a robust base that holds together beautifully when mixed with whole grain breadcrumbs and aromatic spices like celery seed and basil. The mixture is formed into walnut-sized spheres and gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and the balls to heat through without falling apart. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, providing a hearty meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Serve them over whole grain spaghetti or with a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced plate that appeals to both vegans and omnivores alike. Simple ingredients come together to create a memorable main course that is easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup Cashews; chopped
  • 1/4 cup Peanuts; unsalted
  • 1 cup Whole grain bread crumbs
  • 3 tbsp Egg replacer (mixed with water per package instructions)
  • 2 cloves Garlic; pressed
  • 1 tbsp Tamari
  • 1/4 tsp Celery seed
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
  • 4 cups Tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce
Directions
  1. 1
    Place the sunflower seeds, chopped cashews, and unsalted peanuts in a blender or food processor.
  2. 2
    Pulse the mixture until the nuts and seeds are finely ground but not turned into butter; they should still have some texture.
  3. 3
    Transfer the ground nut and seed mixture into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  4. 4
    Add the whole grain bread crumbs, prepared egg replacer, pressed garlic, tamari, celery seed, and dried basil to the bowl.
  5. 5
    Mix all ingredients thoroughly until a uniform, sticky dough forms.
  6. 6
    Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls, rolling them between your palms to ensure they are compact and smooth.
  7. 7
    Pour the tomato sauce into a large kettle or deep skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  8. 8
    Carefully drop the formed nut balls into the simmering sauce.
  9. 9
    Cover the pot and let the balls simmer gently for about 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to coat evenly.
  10. 10
    Serve the hot nut balls spooned over whole grain spaghetti or alongside a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 568.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31.4g49%
Saturated Fat 4.2g22%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 381.0mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 58.4g20%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g35%
Sugars 2.6g
Protein 20.0g40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.

Substitutions: If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats instead of whole grain bread crumbs. Ensure your tamari is gluten-free as well.

Texture Tip: If the mixture feels too dry to hold together, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil. If it is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

Variations: Add finely chopped onions or mushrooms to the blend for extra umami and texture. You can also swap the basil for oregano or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: vegan, meatless, nutballs, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, tomato sauce, spaghetti, dinner, plant-based, easy, comfort food, simmered, gluten-free option, healthy, batch cooking
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/main-dish-nut-balls/