Polpette di Melanzane | Authentic Italian Eggplant “Meatball” Recipe
- Pasta Grammar
- Oct 1, 2023
- 2 min read
When properly cooked, eggplant delivers a savory punch that can actually compete with meat. Don’t believe us? Try these delicious Calabrian eggplant meatballs and we bet you won’t find yourself missing the pork or beef. This traditional recipe is vegetarian but is sure to satisfy even the most carnivorous meat lovers out there.

Watch the Pasta Grammar video:
POLPETTE DI MELANZANE RECIPE
Makes: About 15 polpette
Cook Time: 45 minutes
For this recipe, you will need:
Salt
About 26 ounces (750 g) eggplant, cut into ½ inch (1.25 cm) cubes
1.75 ounces (50 g) grated pecorino cheese, or to taste
1.75 ounces (50 g) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste
2 large eggs
1 clove garlic, diced
About 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh black pepper
About 1 cup (100 g) fresh bread crumbs, plus extra for breading, adjusted to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously. Add the cubed eggplant and boil for about 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is very tender. Drain and let cool to the touch.
Squeeze the excess water out of the eggplant and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the cheeses, eggs, garlic, parsley, plenty of black pepper, and a big pinch of salt. Add about half of the bread crumbs and begin mixing the ingredients by hand.
Continue to add more bread crumbs until the mixture is soft and moldable, but not too wet or sticky. Check out the video above to see what the texture should look like! The amount of breadcrumbs needed will vary, so trust your instincts.
Fill a deep pan with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil and heat over medium/high. Meanwhile, form the meatball mixture into about 15 polpette. They should be formed into flattened pucks, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Dust the polpette in bread crumbs.
Drop a breadcrumb into the oil to test the temperature. If it starts to bubble and fry right away, the oil is hot enough. Working in batches, carefully drop the eggplant polpette into the pan. Turn them frequently with a couple of forks and fry until browned on both sides—about 4 to 5 minutes in total. Remove to a paper towel to drain.
Serve the polpette warm and fresh. Buon appetito!
Want to compare these to traditional Italian meatballs? Give our authentic recipe a shot! Looking for more eggplant recipes? You can't go wrong with a Caponata di Melanzane!
Laser247 Club is a great way to enhance your online betting experience. The VIP features and rewards make regular play more exciting and rewarding. The platform is easy to use, and live betting keeps every match engaging. For anyone looking to take their betting game to the next level, Laser247 Club is definitely worth exploring.
Laser 247 offers a smooth and intuitive betting experience. The platform is easy to navigate, and live betting makes following matches thrilling. I also appreciate the VIP options, which reward regular players. Whether you’re new to online betting or experienced, Laser247 provides a reliable and enjoyable way to engage with cricket and other sports.
Laser247 is quickly becoming my go-to platform for online betting. The app is easy to use, and the live betting options make following matches exciting. I also like the VIP features, which add real value for regular users. Overall, Laser 247 balances convenience and functionality, making it a solid choice for anyone interested in cricket or sports betting.
Reddy Anna Login is quick and hassle-free, making it easy to get started with online betting. The app runs smoothly, Reddy Anna offers plenty of games, and the secure system makes the experience safe and enjoyable.
Reddy Anna Book is a solid choice for online betting. The login is quick, the app runs smoothly, and there’s a wide range of games to enjoy. Reddy Anna With strong security and the ease of the Reddy Anna Book App, the experience feels safe and convenient.