Eggplant Balls

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 lb. or so unpeeled eggplant cut into cubes
• 2 or 3 TBS of olive oil for cooking the eggplant cubes
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of pepper
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of grated pecorino cheese
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 TBS of fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tsp of dried basil
• 1/2 tsp of salt 
• 1/4 tsp of pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic crushed

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 375F.
2. Saute the eggplant cubes for about 10 minutes (until tender) in the olive oil with water, salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to the food processor.
4. Mash or pulse 3 or 4 times.
5. Transfer to a bowl let cool.
6. Add the rest of the ingredients. If the mix is to wet add a 1/2 cup more of breadcrumbs.
7. Form into balls and bake for 20-25 minutes.
8. Toss into your favorite marinara sauce and cook for another 10 minutes.
9. Serve over rice or pasta.

The food processor she is using happens to be the same one I use myself.  Super affordable and fantastic.  You can get it here: