Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls

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    1. Cook Quinoa:
        • Rinse quinoa and add to a pot with water.
        • Simmer for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.

    2. Prepare Chickpeas:
      • Drain and mash chickpeas with a fork in a large bowl.

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

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