Craving something vegetarian, I did some fridge-diving and came up with not one, but THREE new recipes. I’ve got four open cans of beans that desperately needed to be used, which is always a good excuse for experimentation!
Bean Balls
With no oil, WW flour, and vegetarian protein, these little bean balls pack a powerful, but healthy punch! My favorite one was the Garbanzo Bean and Pine Nut Bean Balls (back), but the Black Bean Bean Ball (middle) and the Pinto Bean and Polenta Bean Ball (front) were good, too! Future Husband liked the Pinto Bean and Polenta Bean Ball (what a mouthful!).
Black Bean Bean Balls
- 2 tablespoons black beans (in seasoning sauce)
- 1/2 tablespoon WW flour
- 1 tablespoon salsa
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Mash together, form into ball, place on greased cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until crunchy.
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Top with a tiny silver of cheddar cheese and let bake until cheese melts.
Pinto Bean and Polenta Bean Balls
- 1 tablespoon refrigerator (tube form) polenta
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoon pinto beans
- 1 tablespoon celery
- 1/2 tablespoon WW flour
- S&P to taste
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Mash together, form into ball, place on greased cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until crunchy.
Garbanzo Bean and Pine Nut Bean Balls
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoon garbanzo beans
- 1/2 tablespoon red beans
- 1/2 tablespoon water
- 1/2 tablespoon WW flour
- 1/2 tablespoon green onion, chopped thinly
- Pinch spinach, chopped thinly
- 1/2 tablespoon pine nuts
- Mash together, form into ball, place on greased cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until crunchy.
Alongside I had a nice spinach and veggie salad with some balsamic vinegar. YUM!
Snacks
While running errands earlier, I had a small skim milk iced coffee with Splenda (a rarity, but nice). I came home and munch on a plum while my bean balls cooked.
I’ve got to get to the gym! Soon enough! 
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Hi caitlin – new to the site, but loving all the great food ideas on here. Tried the bean balls tonight – so fab! Much more filling than I expected them to be.
There is so much you can do with these, as well. My housemate and I thought of making asian flavoured ones – black beans, soy sauce, sesame seeds, green onions, chopped bamboo shoots – or maybe indian flavoured ones – chickpeas, curry powder, mango chutney, chopped red onion, pinch of dessicated coconut – yummmm. Also how about these as an appetizer? Make smaller sized balls and serve with toothpicks inserted – cant wait to try them at my next party!
laura – oh my! what great suggestions!! i might do this as an app the next time i have people over! if you try it, please let me know!