These Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls are a delicious and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas, quinoa, and walnuts, they are perfect for a healthy meal. This simple, gluten-free recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed with your favorite sauce or as part of a salad.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (including quinoa and baking time)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
240g (8oz) can chickpeas
90g (1/2 cup) rinsed quinoa
3oz (60g) ground walnuts
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
4oz (75g) breadcrumbs or chickpea crumbs
2oz (15g) nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried herbs
1 tsp Korean chili flakes
Salt to taste
Directions:
Cook Quinoa:
Rinse quinoa and add to a pot with water.
Simmer for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Prepare Chickpeas:
Drain and mash chickpeas with a fork in a large bowl.
Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Dice the onion and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Lightly oil a pan and sauté the onion for a few minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cumin seeds, and sauté for another minute.
Mix Ingredients:
Add the cooked quinoa, sautéed onion, and garlic to the mashed chickpeas.
Add breadcrumbs, ground walnuts, and nutritional yeast (if using).
Season with paprika, dried herbs, Korean chili flakes, and salt to taste.
Mix everything well until fully combined.
Form Balls:
Lightly spray or drizzle an oven-safe pan with oil.
Form the mixture into 1oz (30g) balls and place them on the prepared pan.
Lightly spray the balls with oil.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake the balls for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with dairy-free yogurt, sour cream, or your favorite sauce.
Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy as a protein-rich snack or appetizer.
Cooking Tips:
Ensure the quinoa is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Use a food processor to quickly mash the chickpeas and mix the ingredients if preferred.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more chili flakes for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Benefits:
High in protein from chickpeas, quinoa, and walnuts.
Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is a great source of B-vitamins.
Dietary Information:
Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
Dietary Considerations: This recipe is gluten-free if using chickpea crumbs. It is also dairy-free and vegan.
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy to make with simple ingredients.
A healthy, protein-packed alternative to meatballs.
Versatile and can be served in various ways.
Perfect for meal prep and quick meals.
Conclusion:
These Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls are a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. With their rich flavor, satisfying texture, and nutritious profile, they are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite sauce or as part of a healthy meal!