Healthy Heart Foods
Veggie Matballs with Marinara
Meat/Meat Alt

Veggie Matballs with Marinara

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Veggie Matballs with Marinara are plant-based meat alternatives made from a blend of vegetables and seasonings, then baked and served with a rich marinara sauce. These flavorful matballs provide a good source of protein, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

This dish is served in various meal programs across New York City, including school meals, senior nutrition programs, and shelter feeding.

Chef's Tip
To enhance the flavor, consider garnishing the Veggie Matballs with fresh herbs or serving them over a bed of whole grain pasta for a complete meal.
Allergen Info
Contains gluten; Healthy Heart Food Service offers gluten-free alternatives for those with sensitivities.
Did You Know?
The concept of meatballs can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where they were made from a mix of meats and spices, showcasing the long-standing tradition of this comfort food.
NYC Connection
In New York City, veggie meatballs have gained popularity in school lunch programs as a healthier alternative, reflecting the city's commitment to providing nutritious meals to its diverse student population.

Popular Home Recipes for Veggie Matballs with Marinara

Example recipe — not from the Healthy Heart kitchen. This is a popular home-style version of Veggie Matballs with Marinara shown for general reference. It does not reflect the ingredients, preparation, or allergens in meals prepared by Healthy Heart Food Service.

Veggie Matballs with Marinara are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs, offering a savory blend of vegetables and herbs that pair perfectly with a rich marinara sauce.

Yield6 servings
Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Total50 min
CuisineItalian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped mushrooms, grated zucchini, bread crumbs, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Mix the ingredients until well combined and form into 1-inch balls.
  4. 4Place the matballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. 5While the matballs are baking, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
  6. 6Serve the baked veggie matballs with warm marinara sauce on top or on the side.

Chef Tips

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Example home recipe for reference only — not used by Healthy Heart Food Service. For ingredient and allergen information about meals we serve, contact us.

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About This Item

This menu item is part of meal programs operated by Healthy Heart Food Service, serving schools, childcare centers, senior programs, shelters, and catering clients across New York City, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Nutrition information is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central database and reviewed by our registered dietician. Actual values may vary based on preparation methods and serving size. For questions about our meal programs, contact us.