Kidney bean meatless balls

This is made possible by BBC Foods!

Ingredients

For the meatless balls

• 400g tin red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 50g/1¾oz fresh white breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 large free-range egg yolk
• generous pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• freshly ground black pepper

For the sauce

• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• ½ tsp hot smoked paprika
• ½ tsp caster sugar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 heaped tbsp basil, plus extra to garnish (or whatever herbs you have)

To serve

• crusty bread

Method

1. Blend the kidney beans with the breadcrumbs, garlic and onion powders, salt, egg yolk, and cayenne pepper in a food processor with a little salt and pepper until the mixture comes together.

2. Don’t allow it to become too smooth.

   1. Roll the mixture into 12 small balls.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the balls for 5–6 minutes over low-medium heat.

   1. Add a little more oil if needed.

4. Meanwhile, to make the sauce, put the tomatoes, paprika, sugar, and olive oil in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.

   1. Cook for 3 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the chopped coriander and basil.

6. Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 2 minutes more.

7. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Garnish with extra herbs and serve with crusty bread.

Banner and Image Credit: BBC