Description
Chickpea Meatballs
These flavorful chickpea meatballs are a game-changer for plant-based meals! Packed with protein and seasoned perfectly, they’re delicious on their own or paired with marinara sauce for a classic twist. Whether you bake or fry them, they make a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Chickpeas are versatile and bring a great texture to these meatballs, making them perfect for spaghetti dinners or even meatball subs. Vegan comfort food at its best!
15 oz can chickpeas, drained
½ small red onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin
1 cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped parsley
Olive oil for brushing
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Process chickpeas, onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and tomato paste until smooth.
3. Add spices, mix, then add breadcrumbs and parsley.
4. Form into balls, freeze for 15 min, brush with oil, and bake for 20 min.
Prep Time: 30 min
Kcal: 39 per meatball
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect chickpea meatballs every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, finely chopped red onion, crushed garlic, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Pulse until a mostly smooth, paste-like consistency forms; a few small chunks are okay for texture. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Next, stir in the smoked paprika, coriander powder, and cumin until fully incorporated. Then, add the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the mixture is cohesive and holds together easily. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon more of breadcrumbs. Using damp hands, roll the mixture into balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
The crucial step for firm meatballs is to place the entire baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes. This prevents them from spreading. Finally, lightly brush or spray each meatball with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile meatballs are perfect for more than just pasta. Serve them over spaghetti or zucchini noodles with a rich marinara sauce. For a sub, place 4-5 meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll, top with marinara and vegan cheese, and broil until melted. They also make a fantastic appetizer with a side of tahini or tzatziki for dipping. For a nourishing bowl, pair them with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a lemon-tahini drizzle.
How-to Summary
In short: Process chickpeas with wet ingredients and seasonings. Mix in breadcrumbs and parsley. Form balls, freeze briefly to set, then bake until golden. A simple, protein-packed plant-based staple ready in under an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, but they must be cooked until very tender first. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas.
How do I make these gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats blitzed into crumbs or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
Can I pan-fry them instead of baking? Absolutely. After freezing, pan-fry in a thin layer of oil over medium heat, turning frequently for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or skillet to maintain texture.
Why do my meatballs fall apart? The mixture was likely too wet (add more breadcrumbs) or you skipped the essential 15-minute freezer set time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip the freezing step, as it is critical for binding. Do not over-process the chickpea mixture into a completely smooth hummus; some texture is needed. Ensure your breadcrumbs are not overly coarse. Finally, do not overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will steam the meatballs instead of browning them.
Conclusion
These chickpea meatballs are a testament to how satisfying and flavorful plant-based cooking can be. They are hearty, protein-rich, and incredibly adaptable to your favorite meals. By following the detailed guide and tips, you can master this recipe and enjoy a delicious, vegan-friendly comfort food that will become a regular in your kitchen rotation.