Spaghetti With Bean Balls

Americans have wonderfully adapted many of other cuisines into some of their own classics. I have always been curious about many cuisines and have tried to make use of the best of it into my own cooking. This American adapated Italian Cuisine - Spaghetti with Meat balls has been further adapted by me for a healthy and vegetarian dish as Spaghetti with bean balls.



This is very versatile and can be used with varied combinations. I have used so many different twists to it and it remains unblemished! Among so many types out there, this is my version.

Ingredients

For the Bean Balls

• 1 cup Black beans
  
  
• 2 slices of bread
  
  
• 1/2 cup milk/buttermilk
  
  
• 1/4 cup Italian style Bread crumbs with herbs and spices ( or plain bread crumbs would do too )
  
  
• few springs of cilantro,chopped
  
  
• 1 small onion,chopped into small pieces
  
  
• 1-2 green chillies,chopped (as per req )
  
  
• salt to taste
  
  
• 1 tsp curry powder ( optional)
  

For the Gravy

• 1 onion,chopped
  
  
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
  
  
• 2-3 cloves of minced garlic
  
  
• 1 tsp of grated ginger
  
  
• 1 cup of tomato puree
  
  
• 1 cup milk
  
  
• 3-4 tbsp tomato ketchup (optional)
  
  
• salt to taste
  
  
• Spaghetti as per req.
  
  
• few springs of thyme (optional)
  

Method

1.Soak the beans in cold water,after cleaning it,for at least 6-7 hrs. Cook it in a pressure cooker well.Soak the bread in milk for 2 min.



2.Once cooked,drain excess water if any.Dont throw it away. Now grind the beans in a processor, or mash it well and you can use the drained water in case needed here. Add chopped onions along with rest of the ingredients for making the bean balls.



3.The consistency should allow to make balls of it.If v thick use some of the drained water, otherwise use some cornflour to make it thicker. Make big balls and fry them till brown.



VARIATION : You can bake them to make it more healthy. It usually takes about 30-45 min for me in 350F Oven. This is more healthy and there is not that much of a difference in the taste. After making balls,brush them with little Olive oil and place them in a muffin tray or cookie sheet, whatever works for you.

4.Cook the spaghetti as per package instruction. Once done,heat a non stick with a little olive oil. Add the spaghetti,season a bit of salt and pepper. Toss well. Add some thyme and cilantro and toss them till mixed and then set aside.



5.In the same pan add onion,garlic,ginger and tomatoes and cook them till tomatoes get all soft and mushy.



Add tomato puree,ketchup and cook for a few more min. Then add milk and make into a gravy consistency. You can use the pasta water instead of plain.

6.Jus 5 min before serving add the balls into the gravy and then place the spaghetti in a plate and place the balls and gravy on top, or any way you choose. This is healthy and wholesome

You can use different ingredients for making balls, be it lots of vegetables, or indian cottage cheese ( paneer ) or jus bread. It works well with all. The bean balls also taste very good as a evening snack with some chutney.



This is my entry to Susan's Legume Love Affair Event