Petes Total Food

This Eggplant Meatball Sub delivers all the comfort and flavor of a classic meatball sandwich, but with a delicious vegetarian twist. Tender eggplant meatballs are packed with Parmesan, herbs, and seasonings, then topped with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil on a toasted roll. Even without any meat, this hearty sandwich is every bit as satisfying as the original.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 40 Minutes | Serves: 1 | See Full Video Below

Ingredients

Eggplant Balls

• 1 Eggplant
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 Cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 tsp Oregano
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Marinara Sauce

• 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 20 Oz of Tomatoes
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp Basil
• 2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan

Sandwich

• 1 Hoagie Roll
• 1-2 Oz Mozzarella Cheese
• Basil Leaves

Directions:

• Start by taking the skin off the eggplant with peeler or knife and chop into one inch cubes
• Put the cubes on a tray and drizzle with olive oil and salt
• Cook the cubes for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, just enough to get them soft
• For the marinara sauce, bring a pop over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil
• Mince the garlic cloves with a garlic press or knife and add to the pot with the red pepper flakes
• Turn the heat to medium and add the tomatoes, then cook for 15 minutes
• Once soft, remove the tomato skin with a pair of tongs for a smoother marinara or keep for a chunky marinara 
• Next add salt, pepper and chopped basil
• Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth
• Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes to thicken up
• Remove the eggplant cubes from the oven and add to a bowl, use a potato masher or fork to mash them down
• Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic cloves minced, the egg, oregano and salt and pepper to taste, then mix with your hands
• Roll into balls (You should get 3 big balls or 4 medium balls)
• Add another tbsp of oil to a pan and fry the balls for just a few minutes until lightly browned then add to the marinara sauce, along with some grated parmesan
• Make sure the eggplant balls are entirely coated in sauce
• To make the sandwich, toast the hoagie roll in the oven or toaster, then add the meatballs followed by marinara sauce and the mozzarella cheese
• Place the sandwich back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is full melted
• Top with basil leaves, fold, serve and enjoy!