Vegan Chickpea Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, nutritional yeast (if using), olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl a few times to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Once the mixture is ready, scoop out portions and roll them into balls using your hands. Place the formed chickpea meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
  4. Bake the chickpea meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  5. Serve the vegan chickpea meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack or appetizer.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious vegan chickpea meatballs!

Introduction: Elevate your vegan dining experience with these delectable chickpea meatballs! Bursting with wholesome ingredients and tantalizing flavors, this recipe is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these chickpea meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired)
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (optional, for enhanced flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, nutritional yeast (if using), olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse texture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl to achieve uniformity.
  3. Once the mixture achieves the desired consistency, begin shaping it into meatballs using your hands. Roll each portion into a firm, round shape, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
  4. Place the formed chickpea meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each meatball to allow for even browning.
  5. Bake the chickpea meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure uniform cooking.
  6. Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
  7. Serve the vegan chickpea meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce, pasta, or as a delectable appetizer. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 8g

SmartPoints® Value per serving: 5

Conclusion: These vegan chickpea meatballs are a culinary masterpiece, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course or a delectable appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Embrace the goodness of plant-based ingredients and elevate your dining experience with this sensational recipe.