Preparation Instructions

• Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Place the breadcrumbs in a medium bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ teaspoon salt. Transfer to a rimmed sheet pan and spread in an even layer. Bake until the breadcrumbs are lightly golden (about 10 minutes), stirring midway through. Transfer them to a large plate and set aside.
• Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
• Line the sheet pan with aluminum foil and set the eggplant on top. Prick it 3 to 4 times with a fork and roast until a pairing knife easily slips into the center (40 to 50 minutes). Remove the eggplant from the oven and cut an X in the bottom. Transfer it, stem side up, to a colander and let it drain and cool for 20 minutes.
• Slice the eggplant open lengthwise and scoop out the flesh and place it in the bowl of a food processor. Add the pureed carrot (or egg), lentils, garlic, basil, parsley, and nutritional yeast (or chickpea flour) along with ¾ teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Process for 12 one-second pulses to combine. Add the breadcrumbs and pulse 2 to 3 times to combine.
• Scrape the mixture into a medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap flush against the surface, and refrigerate for 20 minutes or overnight.
• Shape the eggplant mixture into golf ball-size pieces and roll them until they are nice and round.
• Heat the grapeseed oil and remaining ½ cup of olive oil in a large heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
• Drop one of the balls into the oil; it should immediately sizzle. If not, let the oil heat some more. Add a few more balls to the oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides (3 to 5 minutes for each batch).
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve immediately.