The results? The fried ones on the bottom, not rolled in cornmeal were the best! I popped one in my mouth and almost groaned audibly (ok, I did). The baked ones were gross, but I think that was because of the non-stick spray. The spray burnt a bit and I think the balls soaked up that smell/flavor. The cornmeal coated and fried balls were ok, but the cornmeal made them have serious issues with holding together (I wouldn't recommend making them this way). Over all, it was a good experiment. They all would have issues holding together in a sauce, so you would have to add them at the end (probably why VCON uses the VWG). Oh, and next time, I'm making these into 'cutlets' and frying them in a very thin layer of oil. Yum!
Experimental Beany Rice Balls
Ingredients
1 can (540 ml) Black Beans
1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast (optional)
1/2 cup uncooked Brown Rice
1 cube Beef-style Vegan Bouillon
1/2 to 1 cup Bread Crumbs
Seasoning of your choice (I used some Italian Seasoning)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook rice using your preferred cooking method, but add the Bouillon to the cooking water. Mash beans, not pureed, in a medium bowl. Add to beans, your seasoning, Nutritional Yeast, Salt & Pepper, and cooked Rice. Mix well and add enough Bread Crumbs until you have a very stiff batter.
Form small balls out of the batter (no bigger than a quarter). You will probably have to rinse your hands often as the dough gets quite sticky. Cook either in oil on the stove, or in the oven on a greased baking sheet until browned.
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Granola!
I've been wanting to try the Breakfast Bars recipe from Lady's Vegan blog, and finally got around to it. I used only almonds as the only nut ingredient (cause nuts here are expensive) and organic blueberries as the only fruit. I thought I was getting a bargain--who knew organic blueberries are like $8 per pound?!
Just a quick question, does everyone have some super-secret way to chop nuts? I laid mine out on the cutting board and quite dubiously eyed the lot of them. I raised the knife and 'chopped' . Nuts went flying every which way! The baby cat had a heyday chasing after the lot of them. :) I eventually just used a soup can to crush about 6-7 at a time. But if you have an easier way that doesn't involve a food processor, please let me know.
Anyway, in spite of my modifications, this recipe was really tasty. Unfortunately I couldn't get the granola to form bars, but it was my fault as I deviated from the recipe. I think adding the 1 1/2 cups of coconut did it in. :) Or it could have been using maple syrup with only 25% 'maple syrup'. How do they get away with even calling it Maple Syrup in the first place?
Anyways, this was VERY tasty and I have been snacking on it all week. Thanks Lady Vegan!
