Vegan Chickpea Meatballs (with tomato sauce)

Vegan Chickpea Meatballs (with tomato sauce) is a a simple and delicious recipe for a plant-based vegan dish.

These vegan meatballs have a slightly crispy outside with a soft and moist inside and they have a mild flavor accented by the added seasonings.

Easy Vegan Chickpea Meatballs.

This is a are a plant based, vegetarian, or vegan alternative to traditional meat or poultry based meatballs.

The optional tomato sauce recipe is simple to make and also is full of the seasoned flavor you would expect in a great tasting sauce.

Did you try my recipe for Chickpea Burgers?

That simple recipe for chickpea burgers is made with just six ingredients and can be enjoyed on a bun with your regular burger toppings. Both this recipe for non-meatballs and that recipe for burgers are easy vegan alternatives to favorite recipes.

To hold these meatballs together we will be using a vegan egg alternative made with ground flaxseed. You can find a selection of ground flaxseed here.

Common questions about using chickpeas in recipes.

Tips for making vegan chickpea meatballs.

Canned chickpeas are used to make this recipe as they are already cooked. However, you should first rinse and drain the chickpeas before using them in this recipe.

Here are some more great tips for you.

1. The chickpeas need to be ground or mashed which you can do by hand, in a food processor, or using a sturdy blender. Make sure that you mash the chickpeas until they are smooth and creamy as this can help the meatballs hold their shape while baking.
2. Use a cookie scoop to scoop and shape your chickpea for baking. Having meatballs that are a similar size and shape will help them bake more evenly.
3. While my meatballs are baked in an oven, you can alternatively cook them in a skillet. You will need to adjust the cooking times as needed for stovetop cooking.

How to store vegan meatballs.

Leftover vegan meatballs should be stored in an airtight container or bag. If properly stored, these meatballs can be refrigerated for up to four days refrigerated or up to three months when frozen. To freeze them, first place the chickpea meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the chickpea balls to a freezer storage bag.

By the way, while you are here you may also be interested in these ideas.

• 5 Seed Crackers With Carrot Dip
• 3 Ingredient Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream
• Healthy Homemade Spinach Pancakes
• Vegan Spring Roll in a Bowl
• How to make Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Vegan Peaches and Cream Popsicles
• Cucumber Salad With Honey Vinaigrette
• Vegan Tahini and Lemon Cookies

 

How to serve Mediterranean and vegan diet chickpea meatballs.

These tasty meatless meatballs are delicious just the way they are. Even better, they go great with the tomates sauce added in this recipe.

Here is how you can serve the meatballs without the sauce.

• Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with your favorite Vegan Creamy Peanut Sauce or the sauce of your choice.
• Add these meatballs to a bun or pita pocket for a tasty sandwich.
• Add these meatballs to your favorite pasta dish.

Ingredients needed to make Vegan Chickpea Meatballs.

• Chickpeas. Use canned cooked chickpeas. The chickpeas should be rinsed and drained.
• Ground Flaxseed + water Used to make the flax egg.
• Breadcrumbs. Any flavor should work.
• Nutritional Yeast. Added for flavor.
• Onion. The onion should be chopped.
• Garlic. Your garlic can be minced or chopped small.
• Seasonings as desired. This can include Italian Seasonings, Mediterranean Diet Seasoning Blend, Greek Seasoning Blend, Salt, and/or Pepper.
• Olive oil as needed for sautéing.

Ingredients needed to make the vegan tomato sauce.

• Onion. Your onion should be diced.
• Garlic. Minced or chopped works in this recipe.
• Olive Oil. For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Crushed Tomatoes. You can crush your own or use a canned version.
• Seasonings as desired. This can include Italian Seasonings, Mediterranean Diet Seasoning Blend, Greek Seasoning Blend, Salt, and/or Pepper.

How to make Vegan Chickpea Meatballs.

Categories: vegan, gluten free, soy free, main dish, appetizer

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

1. Start by rinsing and draining the chickpeas. Also, prepare your flax egg by mixing together the flaxseed and water in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to thicken while you continue.
2. Next, ground down the drained chickpeas. You can do this by pulsing them in a food processor or good blender until they form a coarse texture. (Do not to overprocess thie chickpeas as you want them to have some texture) . Place the mixture in a large mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, use a fork or a whisk to combine together the breadcrumbs and the nutritional yeast. You can add any desired seasonings here or later on as desired.
4. Preheat a skillet on medium heat with the olive oil. Then add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté the mixture until the ingredients are softened and golden brown.
5. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the mixing bowl with the chickpeas and toss. Then add the breadcrumb mixture from the second bowl and toss again.
6. Add the flaxseed egg from the small bowl in the first step to the mixing bowl and blend the ingredients until combined. I like to use my hands in the final stages of this step.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or similar liner.
8. To form the meatless balls, use a scoop or large spoon to take a spoonful of the mixture and shape it into a golf ball sized ball.
9. Place the chickpea meatballs onto your prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they become slightly crispy on the outside.

Expert Tip 👉 You can brush the tops of the meatballs with a little olive oil before baking them to help them brown.

How to make easy vegan tomato sauce.

1. Start by sautéing the garlic and onion in a large pan or skillet on medium heat until they begin to brown (about five minutes).
2. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook at a simmer for until the liquid is reduced by a quarter (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Make adjustments as needed for seasoning your sauce.

Expert Tip 👉 If your sauce is too acidic, you can stir in a bit of sugar to balance the acid out.

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Vegan Chickpea Meatballs (with tomato sauce), a delicious and nutritious plant-based option to meat-based meatballs. vegetarian, vegan