Healthy Christmas Balls

• olive oil↗1 tbsp
• large onion↗1

  finely chopped

• celery↗2 stalks

  with leaves, finely chopped

• garlic cloves↗2

  finely chopped

• dried apricots↗15 g

  coarsely chopped

• peeled chestnuts75 g
• almonds↗75 g
• wholegrain bread100 g

  crusts removed, coarsely torn (about 6 slices)

• parsley↗великий пучок

  finely chopped

• sage↗велика щіпка
• egg↗1

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C (180 °C with convection, gas 6). In a large skillet heat the olive oil, add the finely chopped onion, celery and garlic. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

2. 2

   Transfer the vegetables to a food processor, add the dried apricots, peeled chestnuts, almonds, coarsely torn bread, finely chopped parsley, a pinch of sage and a small pinch of salt. Process until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

3. 3

   Add the egg to the mixture and pulse briefly again to combine the ingredients.

4. 4

   With damp hands shape the mixture into balls the size of a walnut and place them on a parchment‑lined baking tray.

5. 5

   Bake for 25–30 minutes until the balls turn golden and are heated through.

6. 6

   The balls can be frozen for up to three months; before serving, fully thaw them and, if desired, briefly re‑bake for a few minutes.