Inspiration for my recipes comes in very different ways. The other week I was buying my grocery at Trader Joe’s and I stopped in front of the frozen area and I saw the frozen “kale and spinach bites”. As I always do when a new food appeals to me at the grocery store, I read the ingredients list and the nutritional value chart 🙂 I have to admit that the ingredients used were all good and on the healthy side and the amount of sodium was not crazy high. Still, I like to prepare everything from scratch for my family so that I can control 100% the ingredients and the level of salt/sugar used.
That’s how I ended up recreating a homemade version of their “kale and spinach bites”. The result was impressive. The kids loved them, and that’s why I decided to share with you the recipe 🙂
I love them because they’re baked not fried, loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K, plus I’m giving my family a healthy appetizer.
This is a perfect recipe to freeze. Simply prepare the balls and freeze them before baking. When needed, just place them on a baking sheet, drizzle some Extra Virgin Oil of Olive on top and bake. Ready in 15 minutes!!!
- 10 oz. kale 300gr.
- 10 oz. spinach 300gr.
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Oil of Olive
- 2 small shallots
- 1 clove garlic
- 3/4 Cup breadcrumbs 100gr
- 1 Cup breadcrumbs for coating
- 3/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese 100gr
- 1 egg
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In a medium size pan add the Olive Oil and turn the heat on at medium.
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Let the oil warm up for 1 minute and add the minced shallots and the minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2/3 minutes up until they will reach a nice golden color.
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Add the spinach and the kale. Stir and let it sauté for 4 minutes.
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In a food processor add the spinach and kale mix altogether with one egg, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs and the grated parmesan cheese. Mix for 2 minutes to obtain a smooth consistency.
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With the help of two spoons (I used plastic ones, the mix sticks less) create small round balls.
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Coat them in the breadcrumbs and place them one next to the other on a parchment paper on a baking sheet.
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Drizzle some Extra Virgin Oil of Olive on top and bake in the preheated oven at 400F/200C for 15 minutes. Enjoy!
10 Comments
Did you make this recipe? Share the love, tag @buonapappa on Instagram and hashtag it #buonapappa I would love to see your creations!
Archie Tamayo
October 16, 2016 at 10:10 pmI did the same thing!! I saw this at the store, I’m so excited to try it 😀
Thank you so much, the video is so helpful!!
Barbara Lamperti
October 17, 2016 at 9:35 pmHi Archie! let me know if you like them!!! ciao, b
Jessica
February 2, 2017 at 8:29 pmLoooved these. My 1 and 2 year old boys ate them so a success in my book. Thanks for the recipe.
Barbara Lamperti
February 2, 2017 at 11:13 pmHi Jessica! The KaleSpinach balls are a hit in our house too!! I’m so glad your little ones liked them!!! Thank you so much for following BuonaPappa!! ciao, b
Carly Sears
March 12, 2018 at 3:09 amCan I use something in plae of the egg? Would a flax egg work?
Barbara Lamperti
March 22, 2018 at 10:36 pmHi! I’m allergic to eggs too, so when I prepare this recipe for the whole family I substitute 1 egg with 1 Tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 Tablespoons water. It thickens in less than 1 minute. I also use chia seeds. 1 egg = 1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed in 1/3 cup water for 20 min or so, up until it thickens. Ciao!! b
Komal
February 21, 2020 at 8:08 pmCan I bake it completely and freeze ?? How long does this stay good in freezer ?
Barbara Lamperti
April 9, 2020 at 1:16 amYes you can! I prefer to freeze before baking but if you have leftovers after cooking, it’s fine too. I would suggest to freeze them up to 3 months. Thank you!! Ciao, b
Ines
October 5, 2023 at 5:46 pmThese are fab! My toddler loves them (as do my husband and I) and are a repeat hit in our house. Thank you for sharing your great recipes
Barbara Lamperti
October 17, 2023 at 11:37 pmYess, I’m so glad to hear that! Did you try the new chicken spinach croquettes recipe I just posted? It’s the new hit in my family 🙂