Indulge in a hearty and satisfying meal with this vegan black bean meatball sub recipe. These flavorful meatballs are packed with protein and spices, making them a perfect alternative to traditional meatball subs. Topped with warm marinara sauce and nestled in toasted sub rolls, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
If you're not familiar with flaxseed meal, it is a common egg substitute in vegan cooking. When mixed with water, it forms a gel-like consistency that helps bind the ingredients together. You can find flaxseed meal in the baking or health food section of most supermarkets. Additionally, make sure to pick up some quality sub rolls and marinara sauce to complete this delicious recipe.
![vegan-black-bean-meatball-sub-recipe](https://lynnecurry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/vegan-black-bean-meatball-sub-recipe-1721199094.jpg)
Ingredients For Vegan Black Bean Meatball Sub Recipe
Black beans: Cooked and drained, these form the base of the meatballs, providing protein and a hearty texture.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and give them structure.
Flaxseed meal: Mixed with water to create a binding agent, replacing eggs in this vegan recipe.
Garlic: Minced for a burst of aromatic flavor.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice to the meatballs.
Paprika: Provides a smoky flavor and a hint of color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Sub rolls: Split and toasted, these hold the meatballs and sauce together.
Marinara sauce: Warmed and poured over the meatballs for a rich, tomatoey finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mashing the black beans, leave a few chunks for added texture in your meatballs. This will give them a more satisfying bite and prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
black beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative for vegan meatballs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
flaxseed meal - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds mixed with water create a gel-like consistency similar to flaxseed meal, acting as a binder.
garlic - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor if fresh garlic is not available.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a different but complementary flavor profile that can enhance the taste of the meatballs.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enriching the taste of the meatballs.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, with a slightly different aroma.
sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls offer a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.
marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce provides a fresh, herby flavor that complements the vegan meatballs well.
Other Alternative Recipes
How To Store / Freeze Your Sub
- Allow the black bean meatballs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the meatballs fresh and ready for quick assembly.
- For longer storage, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. This step ensures they don't stick together.
- Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- When ready to use, reheat the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts.
- Store the sub rolls separately in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture.
- If freezing the entire sub, assemble the meatballs in the sub rolls without the marinara sauce. Wrap each sub tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag.
- To reheat frozen subs, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Add the warmed marinara sauce just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sub rolls with meatballs in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispy exterior, open the foil for the last 5 minutes.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of vegetable broth. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until thoroughly warmed. Toast the sub rolls separately in another pan or in a toaster oven.
Microwave Method: Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Warm the sub rolls separately for about 20-30 seconds.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toast the sub rolls in the air fryer for the last 2 minutes to get them crispy.
Steaming Method: Place the meatballs in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the meatballs moist. Toast the sub rolls separately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the black bean meatballs until they are firm and browned.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mash the black beans with other ingredients.
Fork or potato masher: Used to mash the black beans until mostly smooth.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Baking sheet: Used to place the formed meatballs on for baking.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Spatula: Used to turn the meatballs halfway through baking.
Knife: Used to mince the garlic cloves.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to mince the garlic.
Toaster or oven: Used to toast the sub rolls.
Saucepan: Used to warm the marinara sauce.
Spoon: Used to spread the warmed marinara sauce over the meatballs in the sub rolls.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Cook and drain black beans and mix flaxseed meal with water the night before.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash black beans and mix ingredients using a food processor instead of mashing by hand.
Pre-toast sub rolls: Toast sub rolls while the meatballs are baking to save time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra meatballs for a quick meal next time.
Pre-make marinara sauce: Use store-bought or make and refrigerate marinara sauce in advance.
![vegan-black-bean-meatball-sub-recipe](https://lynnecurry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/vegan-black-bean-meatball-sub-recipe-1721199094.jpg)
Vegan Black Bean Meatball Sub Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 cups black beans cooked and drained
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoon water
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth.
- Add breadcrumbs, flaxseed meal mixture, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until firm and browned.
- Place meatballs in toasted sub rolls and top with warmed marinara sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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