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!
