Ingredients for Vegetarian Buffalo “Meatballs” With Blue Cheese Dip

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped

• 1 (425g) can white beans, rinsed, drained

• 110g button mushrooms

• 1 large egg

• 110g panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 120ml hot pepper sauce, preferably Frank's

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 120ml soured cream

• 60ml buttermilk

• 60ml crumbled blue cheese

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, divided

Arrange a rack in centre of oven and preheat to 204°C. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with oil.

Pulse garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add celery, beans, and mushrooms and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in egg, panko, and 3/4 teaspoons salt. Using your hands, roll tablespoonfuls of bean mixture into balls. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, packing them snuggly. Roast veggie balls, turning halfway through, until firm and cooked through, 25–30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook butter, hot sauce, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Stir until smooth; set aside.

Whisk soured cream, buttermilk, blue cheese, pepper, 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons chives, and remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl. Top with remaining 1 teaspoon chives.

Transfer veggie balls to a large bowl. Toss with hot sauce mixture and serve with blue cheese dip alongside.

Veggie balls can be formed, not cooked, 1 day ahead; cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.