Mushroom "Meat"balls

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 16 oz of crimini or baby bella mushrooms

• 2 shallots, minced

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp pesto

• 3 slices of stale bread, crumbled

• 1/4 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/4 cup canola oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large food processor, mince mushrooms

2. In a large pan cook mushrooms, shallots and garlic in olive oil, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15 minutes or until most of moisture from the mushrooms is evaporated.

3. While mushroom mixture cooks, soak bread in buttermilk.

4. Add pesto to mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and stir in bread crumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.

6. Let cool slightly and combine with buttermilk, bread and eggs. Mix with your hands to break up the bread.

7. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

8. In a large frying pan, heat canola oil over medium heat.

9. Form 2 Tbsps of mushroom mixture into balls place in the pan. Leave room between balls and fry in batches.

10. Fry balls for 1-2 minutes on 2 sides.

11. Move balls to a foil lined baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

12. Serve with warm tomato sauce (see my easy marinara recipe) and grated Parmesan.

These are even better the next day!