Eggplant Meatballs?

To all of you skeptics out there (and you know who you are) you need to give these "meatballs" a try.  I feed these eggplant meatballs to my family and they really do like them.  I actually prefer them to beef or pork meatballs.  These tasty morsels are delicious by themselves or with a serving of whole wheat pasta.

Eggplant Meatballs
1 eggplant                   
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup water                   
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs. Beaten                       
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese           
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano         
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Peel and slice eggplant.  Sprinkle with salt and let sit 10 minutes.

 Pat dry.  Saute in skillet in olive oil and water until softened.

Remove and finely chop.  Add to remaining ingredients and form into balls.  Place in greased baking pan 1” apart.

 Bake 20 minutes at 400.  Turn and bake another 20 minutes. 

These eggplant meatballs may just convince some diehard meat eaters that vegetables really are delicious.  I am not a vegetarian but this is a great option for those of you that want replace some of the red meat in your diet with healthier alternatives. 

Bon Appetit!