Mushrooms are surprisingly a great meat replacement, especially Portobello mushrooms. These have a chewy and meaty texture and a smoky, earthy flavour – perfect for a “meat” ball.
Portobello mushrooms contain many antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories and may even help lower cancer risk.
Butter beans are a great source of protein and healthy carbs. These beans are also high in manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. And once cooked, butter beans have a velvety texture with a rich, savoury and buttery flavour. This together with the blended portobello mushrooms are a great combination of flavour and texture to keep the balls together.
Chef’s Tip for the rice used in the butter bean balls
The type of rice that will be used in the butter bean balls is wild rice. And this type of rice can usually take between 45 minutes and an hour to cook. So if you’re a bit pushed for time rather cook a lot of rice and freeze what you don’t need.
And finally, the twice roasted technique used with the carrots is a great way to spruce up any side dish. And this method will make the carrots develop a scrumptious caramelised layer.