These nourishing Vata Veggie Balls are perfect for balancing Vata dosha, made with grounding ingredients like beans, walnuts, and warming spices. Served in a rich tomato sauce, these veggie balls are perfect on their own or with your favorite pasta.

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 1 tablespoon ghee (for sautéing)
• 1/2 onion (peeled and finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh, chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup cannellini or borlotti beans (cooked, drained, and mashed)
• 2 dried apricots (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (to bind the mixture)
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or homemade)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Dried oregano (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the veggie ball mixture:
   Heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the cumin, rosemary, and turmeric, cooking for another minute.
2. Mix the ingredients:
   In a bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the mashed beans, walnuts, apricots, soy sauce, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
3. Form the veggie balls:
   Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch). Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
4. Cook the veggie balls:
   Fry the veggie balls in ghee over medium heat, turning them occasionally until golden brown on all sides (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
5. Prepare the tomato sauce:
   In the same pan, heat the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Gently add the cooked veggie balls to the sauce and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve:
   Serve the veggie balls warm in the tomato sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano. You can enjoy them on their own or with your favorite pasta.

Ayurvedic Sidenotes:

These Vata Veggie Balls in Tomato Sauce are grounding and nourishing, perfect for pacifying Vata. The beans, walnuts, and ghee provide healthy fats and protein, while spices like turmeric and cumin add warmth and aid digestion.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Protein: ~12-14 grams per serving

These Vata Veggie Balls in Tomato Sauce are a flavorful, Vata-friendly dish that’s perfect for a cozy, balanced meal.