These meatless, gluten-free meatballs are SO crispy, they will blow your mind! Serve them with an easy tomato sauce for a tasty, healthy dinner!
YEP, a MEATLESS meatballs recipe.
Regardless of what you’re thinking or your current thoughts on how Mondays are NOT your favorite, I PINKY PROMISE that it’s going to make you RLY RLY excited about it being Meatless Monday. It MIGHT even become your new favorite day of the week.
BOLD STATEMENT? Yep. But this vegan meatball recipe is PREPARED to jump in and make it true.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Chickpeas are PACKED with plant protein and fiber (two things I am really trying to focus on getting more of in my diet)
- They are super versatile. You can make anything from creamy chickpea curry to vegan chickpea cookie dough bowls.
- They’re a little nutty, a little salty and have this somewhat grainy texture that is actually SO good with other ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
For The Meatballs:
- 1 Jar Jovial Food Chickpeas, Drained and rinsed
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
- 3/4 Cup Onion, roughly chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp Fresh garlic, minced
- 6 Tbsp Gluten Free/Vegan Italian Seasoned Panko
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, minced
- Cooking spray
For The Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp Fresh garlic, minced
- 1 Jar Jovial Foods Diced Tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, minced
- Zoodles, spaghetti squash or noodles, for serving
How to make vegan meatballs
Making these gluten-free vegan chickpea meatballs is actually very easy and requires only a few simple, pantry-essential kind of ingredients.
- Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Then, rub all the thin, papery skin off them. Is that annoying? YEP. But does it make your meatballs have EPIC texture? SURE DOES.
- Add them into a food processor with seasonings and apple sauce. <– This is for binding and I PROMISE it doesn’t make your meatballs taste like apple pie. That would be weird.
- Sautee up some garlic and onion until golden brown. Low and slow is key here. If you burn this, it will give your meatballs a bitter, not-so-yummy taste.
- Blend it all up and then stir in your parsley (for the FRESH) and some panko, which makes the outside of these meatless bites of BLISS so crunch-a-rifici and golden brown.
- BAKE
Then it’s ALL ABOUT the tomato saucey goodness that your finished meatballs get to take a little swim in, wrapping themselves in this garlicky, seasoned yumminess that has JUST the right pop of natural sweetness and acidity.
They’re where meatless Monday is AT.
Tips & Tricks On How To Make Delicious Chickpea Meatballs
- Use well-seasoned, flavorful ingredients in your meatballs, such as garlic, onion, herbs, and spices. These will help give your meatballs a delicious, savory taste.
- Make sure to cook the meatballs until they are evenly browned on the outside. This will help to seal in the flavors and moisture, and give the meatballs a crispy, satisfying texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatballs are cooked to the proper temperature. This will help to prevent them from being undercooked or overcooked, which can result in dry or tough meatballs.
- Serve the meatballs with a delicious sauce or gravy, such as marinara or a creamy white sauce. This will add even more flavor and moisture to the meatballs, and help to make them even more delicious.
- Experiment with different types of chickpeas, such as using black chickpeas or using a mixture of different types of chickpeas. This will give your meatballs a unique flavor and texture, and allow you to create a wide variety of delicious dishes.
FAQ
What can I serve with chickpea meatballs?
Chickpea meatballs can be served with a variety of dishes to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Some possible options include:
- Pasta: Chickpea meatballs can be served over pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, with a delicious marinara or tomato sauce. This is a classic combination that is easy to prepare and very tasty.
- Salad: Chickpea meatballs can be served on top of a fresh green salad, along with your favorite vegetables and dressing. This is a healthy and satisfying option that is perfect for a light meal or snack.
- Rice: Chickpea meatballs can be served over a bed of rice, along with your favorite vegetables and sauce. This is a hearty and flavorful option that is perfect for a filling meal.
- Wraps: Chickpea meatballs can be wrapped in a tortilla or pita bread, along with your favorite vegetables and sauce. This is a convenient and tasty option that is perfect for a quick lunch or snack on the go.
- Soups: Chickpea meatballs can be added to soups and stews, such as minestrone or lentil soup. This is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy your meatballs, and it will add even more flavor and nutrition to your soup.
Are chickpea meatballs vegan?
Chickpea meatballs are typically vegan, as they are made from a mixture of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, without any animal products. Chickpeas are a type of legume that are naturally high in protein and fiber, making them a healthy and satisfying option for vegans and vegetarians.
Are chickpea meatballs keto-friendly?
Chickpea meatballs can be made keto-friendly by using a low-carb binding agent in place of breadcrumbs or the applesauce I use for this recipe, and by serving them with low-carb vegetables and sauces. However, chickpeas themselves are not considered to be keto-friendly, as they are high in carbohydrates. If you are following a strict keto diet, it is best to limit your consumption of chickpeas and focus on other sources of protein and healthy fats.
How Do I Store Chickpea Meatballs
To store chickpea meatballs, you can place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to a few months. To reheat the meatballs, you can place them in a covered pan with a small amount of water or sauce and heat them over medium heat until they are heated through. You can also place them in the oven or microwave to reheat them.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
“Honey” Garlic Roasted Chickpeas Wrap
Peanut Butter Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Quinoa Chickpea Avocado Salad with Black Beans
Gluten Free Vegan Chickpea Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 Jar Jovial Food Chickpeas, Drained and rinsed
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
- 3/4 Cup Onion, roughly chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp Fresh garlic, minced
- 6 Tbsp Gluten Free/Vegan Italian Seasoned Panko
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, minced
- Cooking spray
For the sauce:
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp Fresh garlic, minced
- 1 Jar Jovial Foods Diced Tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, minced
- Zoodles, spaghetti squash or noodles, for serving
Instructions
To make the meatballs:
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Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
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Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas until a paper towel and gently dry them off. Gently rub the thin, papery skins off each one and place into a SMALL food processor (mine is 3 cups.) along with the applesauce, salt and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Cook the onion until it begins to soften and brown, about 4 minutes. Add in the garlic and lower the temperature to medium/low. Cook, stirring constantly until golden brown, about 1 minute.
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Add the onion mixture into the food processor and blend until totally smooth and combined, stopping to scrape the sides as necessary.
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Transfer to a bowl and stir in the panko and parsley. Use a cookie scoop to form 16 1 Tbsp sized balls and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Spray generously with cooking spray and bake for 14 minutes. Spray again and bake another 13-14 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
To make the sauce:
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While the “meatballs” cook, heat the oil in a large, high-sided pan with a lid on medium hear. Add in the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is golden brown and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
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Reduce the heat to medium/low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, uncover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid just begins to evaporate. Stir in the parsley.
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Stir the “meatballs” into the sauce and serve over your noodles of choice. *
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DEVOUR
Notes
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 61
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS PER SERVING: FREESTYLE POINTS: 3 POINTS+: 5 . OLD POINTS:4
(per 1/4 of the recipe)
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The post Gluten-Free Vegan Chickpea Meatballs with Tomato Sauce appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
