Rachels Stuffed Shells with Veggie Meetballs
2/3 box of stuffed shells (or can be made into Lasagna or baked ziti etc.)
1 tub of firm tofu
1 1/2 cups broccoli (i use frozen)
1 cup of spinach
vegan mozzarella cheese (optional)
garlic powder (to taste) don't be shy with it!
salt and pepper (to taste)
chopped garlic (optional to taste- i love garlic! the more the better!)
several leaves fresh basil (can use dry but fresh is better) sliced thin
oregano to taste
tomato sauce (homemade or pre-made) i use diced garlic sautéed in oil then add chopped tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt to taste, garlic powder & fresh basil, simmer stirring often for at least 10 minutes)
MEETBALLS (no meat :) 1 bag burger-style crumbles, 2 slices soft bread or 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, approx. 2 tablespoon egg substitute
1/2 teaspoon each of oregano and garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
Start off by preheating oven to approx. 350 degrees and boiling water to cook pasta- prepare pasta according to box directions- go for al dente- Combine MEETball ingredients in a bowl, (egg substitute is used to bind- if too wet add more vegan bread if too dry add more substitute!) roll into small balls and put on greased cookie sheet, bake for approx. 20-30 minutes until crispy. Cook spinach and broccoli, saute in garlic and olive oil for flavor, you can either chop vegetables, or for best results put in food processor until crumbly then set aside. In bowl crumble drained tofu with a fork- add spices, prepared veggies, and vegan cheese (optional) Drain pasta when cooked and rinse with cold water. Take out casserole dish or cake pan- cover bottom with thin layer of sauce. Stuff shells with tofu mixture (for lasagna and/or baked ziti-layer ingredients-including meetballs ) Cover with more sauce and a sprinkle of vegan cheese, repeat if necessary. Cover with tin foil and bake in oven for 20 minutes covered, and then 10 more minutes uncovered. Contents should be bubbling!! Serve with meetballs and extra sauce in side dishes- enjoy!!
SO HOW'D IT GO?
I loved it! I unveganized it a bit, but I can't believe how good it was. The meetballs alone would be a reason to make this. I didn't know crumbles could be that good mostly by themselves, it makes me want to use them more by themselfs, maybe in a loaf? This was perfect, kudos...kudos
Wow! This looks like a winner of a recipe. The MEETballs alone are what caught my eye! I look forward to trying this recipe. I agree with the need to add tomato sauce to the mix before stuffing. It will bolster the flavoring and taste.