Eggplant Meatless Balls

3 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 eggplant, peeled and diced
1/4 c mushrooms, diced
1-2 T water
1 1/4 c fresh bread crumbs
1/2 c minced parsley
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c grated cheese
1/4 c olive oil

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet and slowly cook the garlic over medium heat until golden. Add eggplant, mushrooms, and 1 T of water, cover, and steam the eggplant/mushrooms over low heat until very soft (about 10 minutes). Add remaining water only if the eggplant begins to stick to the skillet. Stir the eggplant occasionally while it cooks. Set eggplant aside and let it cool.

Combine the bread crumbs, parsley, salt, eggs, and cheese in a large bowl. Stir in the eggplant, mix well, and let stand for 20 minutes. Scoop small amounts of the mixture into your hands and form meatballs the size of a small egg. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat, then fry the meatballs, turning occasionally so they brown evenly. Transfer meatballs to tomato sauce and keep hot.

Makes 18 meatballs.