Mushroom and Spinach Meatless Balls

This is a great dish for Meatless Monday or really any other day you want to eat healthy… try it for a get together.. no one will guess this is meat free

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, chopped
• Salt
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped fine
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
• 10 ounces spinach, chopped
• ½ cup quick cooking oats
• ½ cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten

• 4 cups fresh or store bought pasta sauce

Heat a skillet with the olive oil and butter. Add the mushrooms and some salt and cook over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook for a minute or 2. Add the spinach and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes or till all the spinach is wilted and cooked. Take the mixture out into a mixing bowl and let cool.

Add the oats, cheese, bread crumbs, basil and parsley. Mix well. Add the eggs and 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet.

Form mixture into balls using a small scoop. Roll the balls lightly and bake for 15 minutes. Take out and keep aside.

Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Gently add the balls and cook on a simmer for about 45 minutes. Serve with pasta.