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Mini Pumpkin-Sage Balls

From: Vegetarian Times

A 5-pound pumpkin sitting on the kitchen counter inspired Mian Catalano, a student at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, N.Y., to create an hors d'oeuvre that pays homage to the Italian half of her Filipino-Italian heritage. "They look like miniature Italian fried rice balls called arancine, or 'little oranges,' which get their name from their golden crisp exteriors," she says. This recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting 1/4 cup silken tofu and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder for the egg.

Servings: Makes 16 miniballs
Rated :   by 1person
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Ingredients
3 tablespoons  canola oil, plus more for frying sage leaves
1/2 cup  finely diced onion
2   cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)
2 1/2 teaspoons  chopped fresh sage
3/4 cup  pumpkin puree
3/4 cup  plain breadcrumbs
1   large egg, beaten, or 1/4 cup silken tofu and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon  salt
1/4 teaspoon  ground black pepper
16   whole sage leaves
  Green pepper sauce, such as Tabasco, for dipping

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Heat oil in small skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion, and cook 10 minutes, or until light brown, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and chopped sage, and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to bowl.
2. Combine pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in bowl with onion mixture. Form into 1-1/2-inch balls, and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until bottoms are golden brown.
3. Pour enough oil in large skillet to coat bottom 1/8 inch. Heat over medium heat until oil shimmers. Add sage leaves in single layer, and fry 20 to 30 seconds, or until brittle but still bright green. Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate, and sprinkle with salt. Serve pumpkin balls with sage leaves and green pepper sauce.

Nutrition Facts
Calories 62, Total Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat .5 g, Cholesterol 13 mg, Sodium 115 mg, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g, Sugars 1 g
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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