Chickpea Meatballs — My Go-To Vegan Comfort Bite
Okay… these chickpea meatballs have completely stolen my heart. 💚
I’ve been eating vegan for a little over 2 years now, and while I’ve experimented with so many recipes (sweet, savory, you name it), this one might just be the one. It’s simple, satisfying, and ridiculously good — the kind of dish that makes non-vegans say, “Wait… this is chickpeas?”
🥣 What You’ll Need:
- 1 can of chickpeas (rinsed + drained)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional but amazing)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- A few spoonfuls of marinara sauce for binding
🔥 How to Make:
- Mash the chickpeas until mostly smooth (a few chunks = great texture).
- Add all the other ingredients and mix until it forms a doughy texture.
- Roll into balls — I usually get around 12–14.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toss them in warm marinara and top with fresh parsley or basil.
💬 My Favorite Way to Eat Them:
Piled over spaghetti, tucked into a sub roll, or even on their own with a drizzle of vegan ranch (don’t judge 😅).
It’s wholesome, flavorful, and full of that homey, cozy kitchen vibe that I love so much. 🕯️🍝