Savory Walnut Meatballs with Zesty Apricot BBQ Glaze
This delightful recipe is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Originating from the Cooking Pleasures magazine, these walnut meatballs are a testament to how delicious vegetarian dishes can be. As a mother eager to support her daughter's dietary choices, I plan to make this savory dish the centerpiece of our meal when she visits. These juicy, crumbly 'meatballs' are surrounded by a slightly tangy and sweet apricot barbecue sauce, sure to please any guest. Serve them over freshly cooked rice for a hearty and satisfying dish.
6
Servings
533
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
apricot preserves
3/4 cup (none)
apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 cup (none)
ketchup
1/2 cup (none)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
onions
2 tablespoons (grated)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (fresh, finely chopped)
hot pepper sauce
1 dash (none)
rice
4 cups (cooked (white or brown))
eggs
4 (none)
soda crackers
1 1/4 cups (crushed (about 36 crackers))
cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (shredded)
walnuts
3/4 cup (ground)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
parsley
3 tablespoons (fresh, minced)
sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium sauce pan, mix together the apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), ketchup, vegetable oil, brown sugar, grated onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, finely chopped oregano, and a dash of hot pepper sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool.
3
Prepare a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, eggs, crushed soda crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, ground walnuts, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, freshly minced parsley, ground sage, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
5
Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, approximately 1 1/2 inches each, and place them in the prepared baking dish.
6
Pour the cooled apricot barbecue glaze evenly over the meatballs.
7
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
8
If serving over rice, consider doubling the sauce ingredients for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
53.3g
Carbs
13.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Walnut Meatballs with Zesty Apricot BBQ Glaze?
These are a vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, made using ground walnuts, rice, and cheese, served with a sweet and tangy apricot-based barbecue sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is designed specifically for vegetarians or those looking for a healthy and flavorful meatless meal.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in size.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What are the primary ingredients for the meatballs?
The meatball mixture consists of cooked rice, eggs, crushed soda crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, ground walnuts, onion, garlic, parsley, and sage.
What ingredients make up the Zesty Apricot BBQ Glaze?
The glaze includes apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), ketchup, vegetable oil, brown sugar, grated onions, salt, oregano, and hot pepper sauce.
How long do the walnut meatballs need to bake?
They should bake for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm and the sauce is bubbling.
Can I use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar or 1/2 cup of lemon juice in the glaze.
How many crackers are needed for the meatball mixture?
You will need approximately 36 soda crackers, crushed to make 1 1/4 cups.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
You can use 4 cups of either cooked white rice or cooked brown rice.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish is recommended.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the dish should be lightly sprayed with cooking spray before adding the meatballs.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 13.3 grams of protein in each serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 53.3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How should the onions be prepared for the glaze?
The 2 tablespoons of onions used in the glaze should be grated.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
The meatballs are best served over freshly cooked rice.
Should I make extra sauce if serving over rice?
Yes, if you plan to serve them over rice, it is recommended to double the glaze ingredients for extra flavor.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be finely ground before being mixed into the meatball base.
Is the sauce cooked before putting it on the meatballs?
Yes, the glaze ingredients are brought to a boil in a saucepan and then cooled before being poured over the meatballs.
Are there any fresh herbs used in the meatballs?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of freshly minced parsley.
What seasonings are used in the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are seasoned with minced garlic, freshly minced parsley, ground sage, and salt.
What is the texture of the finished meatballs?
The meatballs are described as juicy and crumbly.
Where did this recipe originate?
The recipe originated from Cooking Pleasures magazine.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce is slightly tangy and sweet, but includes a dash of hot pepper sauce for a zesty kick.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 eggs to bind the meatball mixture.
What should the consistency of the glaze be after baking?
After baking, the sauce should be bubbling and slightly thickened.
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar should be packed.