Ingredients

  • Red Onion 1
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • SpinneysFOOD Fresh Parsley 50g
  • SpinneysFOOD Fennel Seeds 1½ tsp
  • SpinneysFOOD Mediterranean Extra Virgin Olive Oil 4 tbsp
  • Black beans 120g
  • Panko breadcrumbs 100g
  • SpinneysFOOD Ricotta 250g
  • Smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • SpinneysFOOD Parmigiano Reggiano Grated 20g
  • Vegemite or Marmite 1 tbsp
  • SpinneysFOOD Fine Sea Salt To taste
  • SpinneysFOOD Black Pepper To taste
  • SpinneysFOOD Napoletana Sauce 345g
  • Lemon 1

Given the cook-at-home nature of Spinneys and natural variations in ingredients, nutritional information is approximated."

Italian ‘meatballs’ with blackbeans

Italian 20 Mins Prep · 25 Mins Cook


  1. Peel and finely dice the red onion. Peel and mince the garlic. Finely chop the parsley. Lightly crush the fennel seeds.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over a medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for a further 1 minute or until fragrant. Remove mixture from pan and set aside to cool.
  3. Drain and rinse the black beans then place in a food processor along with the onion, garlic and remaining ingredients, reserving the remaining olive oil and the Napoletana sauce. Blitz until combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into walnut-sized ‘meatballs’. Place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Chill for 30 minutes.
  5. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. 6 Fry the meatballs, for 4-5 minutes, until evenly browned. Remove from the pan and place in a large oven-proof dish.
  6. Preheat the oven to 220°C, gas mark 8.
  7. Place the Napoletana sauce in a large pan and heat until simmering. Pour over the meatballs.
  8. Place in the oven for approx. 10 minutes.
  9. Chop the parsley and zest the lemon. Scatter over the meatballs and serve.