*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                    Mediterranean Stuffed Meatballs

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Pasta

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                       SAUCE
  2      cloves        garlic -- minced
  2                    onions -- chopped
  2                    green peppers -- chopped
  2                    zucchini -- chopped
  1      large         eggplant -- peeled and cubed
  4                    tomatoes -- peeled and chopped
  4      tablespoons   fresh parsley
                       salt and pepper
    1/2  teaspoon      thyme
    1/2  cup           chicken stock
                       MEATBALL MIXTURE
  1 1/2  pounds        ground meat
  2      slices        bread
    1/4  teaspoon      nutmeg
    1/3  cup           parmesan cheese
  1                    egg
                       salt and pepper
                       VEGETABLES FOR STUFFING:
                       broccoli
                       cauliflower
                       zucchini
                       butter
                       olive oil
                       oil for deep frying
                       spaghetti or other pasta

Prepare sauce:  Saute garlic in olive oil.  Add onion and continue to
saute.  Add green peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes.  Continue to
cook; then add parsley, salt and pepper, thyme and chicken stock.  Cook
approximately 40 minutes on low heat to make a thick sauce.

Prepare the vegetable stuffing by cleaning and chopping into bite size
portions.  Blanch vegetables in hot water for 5 minutes.  Drain.  Add
melted butter, salt and pepper, and set aside.

Put bread into food processor and make into crumbs.  Set aside.  Beat egg
slightly and set aside.  Mix nutmeg, salt and pepper and parmesan cheese
with the ground meat.  Make balls and press a blanched vegetable in the
center of each ball; make sure the meat is all around the vegetable.  Dip
balls into egg and then into bread crumbs and deep fry for 6 to 8 minutes
until golden brown.  Drain.  Pour sauce over cooked spaghetti and add
meatballs.  Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese if desired.  Garnish with
fresh parsley.

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