Eggplant Meatball Subs with Smoked Caciocavallo

Eggplant Meatball Subs with Smoked Caciocavallo were inspired by Pasta alla Norma, a classic Sicilian pasta dish.  Top with smoked caciocavallo cheese for a unique flavor!

When I set out on this journey to explore my passion for food, I discovered that I enjoy teaching.  A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of teaching a fresh pasta making class.  One of the sauces we made was a tomato eggplant sauce, quite similar to the one for Pasta alla Norma.  However, instead of the usual ricotta salata, we stirred smoked mozzarella into the sauce. One participant enthusiastically expressed that he would love to spread the sauce on bread and devour it!

Little does he know how his words inspired me. Driving home that night, I created this recipe for Eggplant Meatball Subs with Smoked Caciocavallo in my mind. I couldn’t wait to try it out as I imagined exactly what it would taste like! Can you?

Origin of meatless meatballs:

I’ve always loved meatless meatballs.  My Spiralized Zucchini Ricotta Meatballs are a favorite at our house.  These were inspired by my mother’s recipe.  Back in Sicily my mother’s family almost always made meatless meatballs out of necessity.  This is not surprising since meat was not only expensive but hard to come by.

But to be honest with you I’ve always preferred my mother’s meatless meatballs.  They are soft, incredibly moist and cheesy. She uses grated breadcrumbs from day old bread rather than dried breadcrumbs and plenty of cheese! I will definitely have to share her recipe with you soon!

So many ways to enjoy eggplant meatballs:

I am presenting this recipe in the form of a sandwich. However there are several ways to enjoy eggplant meatballs;

• Before baking them I dredge them in dry breadcrumbs.  This gives them a nice crunchy exterior. At this point you can serve them as is. These would make an excellent appetizer, or you can move on to the next step.

• After they have baked for 25 minutes, I simmer them in a basic tomato sauce for 20 minutes longer.  Now they would be ready to serve with your favorite pasta.

Step by Step Instructions

Begin by preparing the eggplant. Remove the skin of the eggplant with a vegetable peeler.  Cut into 1 inch cubes. To remove the bitter juices from the eggplant, place cubes in a large bowl, salt generously and cover with water.  Let sit for about half an hour.  Drain the water, rinse and pat the cubed eggplant dry.

Preheat oven to 400F and place eggplant on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.  Coat generously with olive oil and salt lightly.  Bake for 30 minutes, tossing halfway.  If eggplant is dry, add additional oil.  Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl add freshly grated breadcrumbs from day old bread, crusts removed.  I use my food processor and pulse the bread a few times until I have coarse crumbs.  Add grated Pecorino Romano/Parmigiano cheeses; fresh parsley; a clove of garlic; baked eggplant; an egg and salt and pepper.

I use my hands to combine the ingredients and break down the chunks of eggplant.  I prefer leaving the eggplant in chunks rather pureeing it.  This is a question of taste and you can crush the eggplant pieces with a fork or purée them in your food processor if you prefer a smoother consistency.

Shape into 12 meatballs and roll in dried breadcrumbs before placing on a greased sheet of parchment paper placed on a baking sheet.  Bake at 350F for 12 minutes; turn them over and continue baking for another 12 minutes.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare a basic tomato sauce.  Sauté a small diced onion and a minced garlic clove. Add 2 cups tomato purée (or tomato passata), salt and pepper to taste and let simmer while the meatballs bake. When done, add the meatballs to the sauce and let simmer 20 minutes longer.

To assemble the sandwich, slice open 2 sub breads and warm in the oven, if desired.  Fill with as many meatballs that will fit in your bread and top with 1/2 cup of smoked caciocavallo.  I squeezed in 5 or 6 meatballs. The heat of the bread and meatballs will melt the cheese.  Cut in half and serve warm!

Tips and suggestions

• I purchased smoked caciocavallo cheese in my local Italian grocery store. If you can not find smoked caciocavallo, smoked mozzarella (or unsmoked mozzarella if you prefer) may be substituted.
• Eggplant meatballs can be frozen.  Freeze after they are baked and prior to adding to the sauce. They can later be defrosted and then simmered in tomato sauce.
• Alternately, freeze the meatballs along with the tomato sauce.  Defrost and heat them up in order to prepare the subs or enjoy with pasta.

Whichever way you choose to serve your eggplant meatballs, you will love this vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs.  Please share your photos with me by tagging me with @mangiabedda or #mangiabedda on Instagram or Facebook. Buon appetito!