Description
These Vegan Meatballs are a wholesome and flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs. Made primarily from chickpeas, chia seeds, and oats, they offer a satisfying texture and a perfect balance of herbs and spices. Baked until golden and crisp, they pair excellently with pasta and your favorite sauce for a delicious, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained (reserve liquid)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Cooking spray, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a medium baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Process chickpeas: Drain the canned chickpeas, reserving the liquid. Transfer the chickpeas to a food processor and pulse until they are broken down but not completely smooth, leaving some texture.
- Make chia egg: In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds and water. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency, which will act as a binder in the meatballs.
- Combine ingredients: Add the chia egg, rolled oats, tomato paste, chopped basil, minced garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes to the food processor with the chickpeas. Pulse and blend until all ingredients are combined. If the mixture feels too dry, gradually add the reserved chickpea liquid one tablespoon at a time until you reach a consistency suitable for forming meatballs. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Shape meatballs and bake: Form the mixture into 16 uniform meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Then flip each meatball carefully and continue baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and have a crisp exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve these vegan meatballs hot with your favorite pasta and sauce, or as a protein-packed addition to any dish.
Notes
- You can substitute rolled oats with gluten-free oats if needed for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Ensure the chickpeas are well-drained to avoid a soggy mixture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding nutritional yeast or smoked paprika to the mixture.
- These meatballs reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
Keywords: vegan meatballs, chickpea meatballs, plant-based meatballs, baked meatballs, vegan dinner, healthy vegan recipe
