### Delicious Herbed Spinach and Kale Balls: A Healthy & Flavorful Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh kale leaves (chopped and stems removed)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Cooking spray or a little extra virgin olive oil
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
- Rinse spinach and kale leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Chop both into bite-sized pieces. Remove the tough stems from the kale.
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**Step 2: Sauté Vegetables**
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, spinach, and kale. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are wilted.
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**Step 3: Mix in Seasonings**
- Stir in breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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**Step 4: Form the Balls**
- Let the mixture cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, use your hands to form small balls about 1-inch in diameter.
- Place the formed balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
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**Step 5: Pan-Fry or Bake**
- Heat some cooking spray or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the balls and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes.
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**Step 6: Serve**
- Remove the balls from the skillet or oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like garlic aioli, tzatziki, or a simple lemon vinaigrette.
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#### Additional Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming the balls.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 2 days.
By following these steps, you can create delicious herbed spinach and kale balls that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as part of a larger feast.