How to make a meatball sandwich even more awesome? Add cheese! But you don't need meat or dairy for it. The entire sandwich is plant-based and for that, we're making meatballs and the cheese sauce from scratch.
Course Main Course, Snacks
Cuisine American, Vegan
Prep Time 25minutes
Cook Time 45minutes
Total Time 1hour10minutes
Servings 2people
Calories 938kcal
Author Bianca Haun | Elephantastic Vegan
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Meatballs (makes 35 meatballs - you can freeze the rest!)
Start by caramelizing the chopped garlic cloves and red onion in a lightly oiled pan. Add a pinch of salt to help the softening process. If they start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water, let them cook on medium to high heat until softened and brown.
To a food processor add the kidney beans, rolled oats, caramelized garlic and onion, the spices and breadcrumbs. Pulse until it all comes together. Scrape down the sides if you need to. You don’t want it super smooth, but it should stick together.
Now form the meatballs - you should end up with approximately 35 meatballs. Coat them in breadcrumbs and let them chill in the fridge while you’re preparing the cheese sauce.
Coat the bottom of a large pan with oil and pan-fry the meatballs on low to medium heat for about 10 minutes, while flipping them around every couple of minutes or so until they are brown and crispy on all sides. Reduce the heat and add the tomato passata, salt, oregano, and basil. Stir to coat them in the quick marinara sauce.
Instructions for the Cheese Sauce
Heat the coconut oil or butter in a small pot over low heat.
Add the salt, curry powder, and paprika powder. Whisk.
Add in the flour and tapioca starch. Whisk.
Add nutritional yeast, whisk again until clumpy.
Add the water and whisk on low heat for a few minutes until it gets gooey. Lastly, add in the sriracha (more or less to taste). If the cheese gets too thick you can add a little bit more water and whisk again. Set aside.
Additional Instructions
Add meatballs to the baguette (I used a size of 5 meatballs long for 1 person), drizzle with the cheesy sauce and sprinkle with fresh chives. Enjoy!