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Tasty Vegetarian Dish with Sauce

Kitchen Spotlight Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

A simple-to-make vegetarian recipe for azuki bean balls paired with a delicious tomato sauce. A satisfying and wholesome meat-free option.
alicia in the kitchen
Recipe by Alicia
Fresh from the kitchen: Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:54:13 GMT
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Azuki bean balls topped with cilantro in a flavorful sauce. Save for Later
Azuki bean balls topped with cilantro in a flavorful sauce. | Tasteofsavor.com

These Azuki bean meatballs have become a fantastic plant-based protein option for flavorful meals. The tender texture and subtle sweetness of the beans create the perfect bite. They're quick to prepare and offer a satisfying alternative to traditional meatballs that's both nutritious and delicious.

Plant-Based Bean Meatballs

These versatile bean meatballs achieve the ideal balance of protein and flavor. The combination of ingredients creates a hearty texture that even meat-eaters enjoy. They're perfect for meal prep and can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week.

Essential Ingredients

  • 225g cooked Azuki beans, drained
  • 60g rolled oats
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Initial Prep
Blend ingredients until a cohesive mixture forms with a texture similar to soft cookie dough.
Shaping
Form mixture into evenly-sized meatballs using clean hands.
Cooking
Pan-fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Sauce Preparation
Create a complementary sauce for serving.
Final Step
Allow meatballs to simmer briefly in the sauce before serving.
Des boulettes de viande plongées dans une sauce brune, garnies de persil, présentées sur une assiette blanche. Save for Later
Des boulettes de viande plongées dans une sauce brune, garnies de persil, présentées sur une assiette blanche. | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs over steamed basmati rice or fresh pasta. They pair wonderfully with a plant-based yogurt sauce brightened with lemon and herbs. For extra heat, offer a side of spicy sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

→ Can I swap azuki beans for other beans?
Definitely! Regular red beans work just as well. You’ll get a similar texture and flavor.
→ Why chill the balls before cooking?
Chilling helps the bean balls firm up, so they’re less likely to fall apart when you cook them.
→ How should I store these bean balls?
They’ll last in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them—just do it before cooking for longer storage.
→ Is the sauce necessary?
It’s optional! The bean balls taste fine on their own, but the sauce adds extra flavor and keeps them moist. Feel free to make your own unique sauce instead.
→ Can I bake the bean balls?
Yes, baking works! Set your oven to 180°C (about 350°F) and cook them for 20 minutes. Brush them with oil so they get a nice golden finish.

Azuki Bean Balls

Soft and flavorful vegetarian bean balls prepared with azuki beans, served in a rich homemade tomato sauce. A hearty and healthy alternative to meat dishes.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time at the Stove
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Recipe by: Alicia

Type of Dish: Appetizers

Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Style of Cooking: Vegetarian

Makes: 4 Feeds (16 balls)

Good for: Vegan, Vegetarian, No Dairy

Shopping List

Item 01 2 onions.
Item 02 1 clove of garlic.
Item 03 200 ml vegetable broth.
Item 04 225 g cooked Azuki beans.
Item 05 1 tablespoon fresh parsley.
Item 06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
Item 07 60 g whole-grain rolled oats.
Item 08 1 teaspoon bay leaf.
Item 09 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
Item 10 Olive oil.
Item 11 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Item 12 Salt and black pepper.
Item 13 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

Let's Cook

Step 01

Blend the drained beans, rolled oats, onions, garlic, tomato paste, and spices until you get a smooth mixture.

Step 02

Shape the mixture into small balls and let them chill for 30 minutes.

Step 03

Coat the balls in flour and fry them in a pan with a bit of oil until golden brown.

Step 04

Sauté the onions, mix in the tomato paste, broth, and bay leaf. Use diluted cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Step 05

Add the balls into the sauce, let it simmer, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Cook's Tips

  1. Chilling the balls is crucial to ensure they stay intact.
  2. Adjust the sauce thickness to suit your taste.

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Blender.
  • Non-stick frying pan.

Watch Out For

Your safety matters - check these important notes about ingredients
  • Contains gluten (in rolled oats and flour).

Good to Know (Per Serving)

Numbers are approximate - your results may vary based on specific ingredients used
  • Calories per Serving: 220
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbs: 35 g
  • Protein: 10 g