Title: Flavorful Vegan Chickpea Meatballs Recipe

Introduction: Dive into the world of plant-based cuisine with our delectable Vegan Chickpea Meatballs recipe. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients, these meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these savory meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from pasta to sandwiches to salads.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Whole wheat breadcrumbs (for coating, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Chickpeas: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, rolled oats, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), nutritional yeast, tomato paste, soy sauce or tamari, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and slightly chunky, but not completely smooth.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the chickpea mixture and roll it into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Repeat until all of the mixture is used, placing the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Optional Coating: If desired, you can roll the formed meatballs in whole wheat breadcrumbs for a crispy coating. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the meatballs.
  5. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  6. Serve: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them on their own as a snack or appetizer, or incorporate them into your favorite dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, meatball subs, or salads.

Nutritional Information (per serving, makes approximately 20 meatballs):

  • Calories: 80
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 3g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints: Each serving of these Vegan Chickpea Meatballs is approximately 2 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers plan, making them a nutritious and satisfying option for anyone watching their weight.

Conclusion: Elevate your plant-based cooking repertoire with our flavorful Vegan Chickpea Meatballs. These protein-packed delights are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main course or as a tasty snack, these meatballs are sure to impress with their savory flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Try them out for yourself and discover the joy of plant-based eating with every bite.