Mushroom Meatballs

Makes about 26 meatballs.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c tomato juice
• 1/2 c textured vegetable protein granules (TVP)
• 6 oz mushrooms, chopped
• 1/4 c onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 c wheat germ
• 1/4 c all purpose flour
• 1/2 Tbsp Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1-2 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the tomato juice to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from burner and stir in TVP. Allow to soften 10 minutes.
2. In a food processor, place the TVP mixture, mushrooms, onion, garlic, wheat germ, flour, herbs, salt and pepper. Process until well-blended and the mixture starts to come together in a “dough”.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and use some of the olive oil to grease a baking sheet.
4. With clean hands, roll about (26) 1-inch meatballs and place them on the oiled baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil.
5. Bake 20 minutes. Remove with a spatula and serve on top of pasta or place in marinara sauce for use in sandwiches. These would also be great in a Stroganoff dish.