Vegetarian Meatballs with Gluten-Free Spaghetti

🍝 Vegetarian Gluten-Free Spaghetti Meatballs

🧾 Ingredients

For Vegetarian Meatballs

• 2 cups raw young jackfruit (canned in water/brine, drained & shredded)
• ½ cup boiled mashed potatoes
• ¼ cup besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped onions
• 1 tbsp grated carrot (optional)
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Pasta

• 200g gluten-free spaghetti (rice or corn-based) (https://amzn.in/d/0c5MxB7Q)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Jackfruit

• Shred the jackfruit using hands or fork to create a pulled texture.
• Sauté in a pan for 5–7 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Prepare Meatball Mixture

• In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded jackfruit
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Besan
  • Onion, carrot, ginger, garlic
  • All spices and seasoning
• Mix until it forms a soft dough-like consistency.

If mixture is too wet → add more besan
If too dry → sprinkle a little water

Step 3: Shape & Cook Meatballs

• Shape into small balls.

Choose cooking method:

• Pan-fry: Cook in little oil until golden brown
• Bake: 180°C for 20–25 minutes
• Air fry: 180°C for 12–15 minutes

Step 4: Prepare Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a pan.
• Add garlic (optional) and sauté briefly.
• Add tomato puree, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

• Boil gluten-free spaghetti as per package instructions.
• Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture.

Step 6: Final Assembly

• Add cooked meatballs to sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Toss spaghetti lightly in sauce or serve separately.
• Garnish with fresh basil or grated cheese (optional).

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Slightly mash jackfruit while keeping some chunks for better texture.
• Add crushed paneer or soaked ground chana dal for extra protein.
• For no onion-garlic version, skip both and add hing (asafoetida).
• Add a small knob of butter to sauce for a richer, kid-friendly taste.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sautéed vegetables like beans, carrots, or zucchini.
• Pair with a simple sprout salad for added protein and nutrition.