Zesty Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving comfort food but want to keep it healthy? These Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls are the answer.

They're bursting with flavor and are a total game-changer. Honestly, you won't even miss the meat.

Brief Overview

These little flavor bombs are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. They are easy to make and ready in under an hour.

This vegetarian meatball recipe yields about 24 balls, perfect for sharing or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about these balls is how healthy they are. Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber.

Serve them as a healthy appetizer recipe , a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner. What makes them special? The perfect balance of savory and fresh, plus they're a great baked falafel alternative .

Craving Chickpea Meatballs that are both healthy and satisfying? Keep reading.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Okay, so I've tried a LOT of vegetarian recipes. Some are great, some are... well, let's just say my dog enjoyed them more than I did.

But these chickpea meatballs ? These are a winner. They're easy, flavorful, and don't require any fancy ingredients. I mean, who doesn't have a can of chickpeas lurking in the pantry?

Chickpea and Zucchini: A Match Made in Heaven

Seriously, the combination of chickpeas and zucchini is genius. The chickpea meatballs vegan base gives them a lovely nutty flavor, and the zucchini adds moisture and a touch of sweetness.

Plus, it's a sneaky way to get your veggies in. Think of these as healthy and delicious vegan zucchini fritters in meatball form.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a party or just need a quick easy vegan meal, these balls are the bomb. They're great served with marinara sauce, hummus, or even just on their own.

They are great mediterranean chickpea recipes . I even throw them into salads for extra protein.

A Note on Taste

The lemon zest really brightens up the flavor, so don't skip it. And if you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a must.

Honestly, this recipe is so versatile. So feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.

Now, let's dive into the ingredients.

Alright, let's get cracking on these Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls . Think of them as a meatball's vegetarian cousin. But, they got way more personality.

We'll keep it simple, easy, and delicious! Even for folks who think vegetarian means boring rabbit food.

Zesty Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:24 balls

Ingredients:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (approximately 850g total)
• 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 ½ cups, lightly packed; approximately 150g)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (approx. 50g)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, approx. 25g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (approx. 15g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (approx. 50g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

• Mash the drained and rinsed chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture.
• In a large bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas, grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture if very wet!), panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), parsley, garlic, egg (or flax egg), lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes for heat, if desired.
• Thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined.
• Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up. This makes them easier to roll.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and less sticking.
• Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls.
• Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:220 calories

Fat:8g

Fiber:8g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment: What You'll Need

This is not complicated, promise! We're aiming for Quick Easy Vegan deliciousness with these chickpea meatballs . Plus, it's a great Healthy Appetizer Recipes option. You know?

Main Ingredients

• Chickpeas: 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained and rinsed. That's about 850g total.
  • Quality: Look for chickpeas that are whole and not overly mushy. I once got a can that was basically chickpea soup. Honestly, not ideal.
• Zucchini: 1 medium, grated (about 1 ½ cups , lightly packed or 150g ).
• Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (approx. 50g ).
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated (optional, about 25g ). Or, nutritional yeast for a Chickpea Meatballs Vegan version!
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped (approx. 15g ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (approx. 6g ).
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten (approx. 50g ). Or, flax egg for Zucchini Meatballs Vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal plus 3 tbsp water. Let it sit for 5 minutes .
• Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon . From about 1 lemon.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon , plus more for brushing.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional pinch. I like a little heat, what about you?

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters

Oregano is key. Lemon zest brings it all to life. These are some Mediterranean Chickpea Recipes . Red pepper flakes? A total game-changer if you are into spices.

Consider that a flavor enhancers ! If you don't have oregano, Italian seasoning works as a quick sub. Don't be afraid to experiment and personalize!

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl. Obvious, right?
• Grater. For the zucchini, duh.
• Baking sheet.
• Parchment paper. Highly recommend this for easy cleanup.
• Fork or potato masher.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Seriously, that’s it! This isn't rocket science. I have used a cheese grater in a pinch instead of a proper grater.

These Zucchini Meatballs are easy to make with what you have around! Time to get cooking and try this Vegetarian Meatball Recipe .

It's also a superb Baked Falafel Alternative !

Cooking Method: Baking these Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls

So, you wanna make something yummy and healthy? These Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls are just the ticket. Honestly, these are a fantastic alternative for when you want something other than chickpea meatballs vegan .

This recipe delivers a flavour punch! It's also way easier than you think.

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Lowdown

First, get all your ingredients ready. That's the fancy French way of saying "get your stuff together"! Grate that zucchini.

Drain and rinse those chickpeas. No one likes gritty chickpea meatballs . Dice the herbs. Mince that garlic. If you are organized, you can make it and you are more likely to do this quick easy vegan.

Safety First: Make sure your hands are clean. Always a good shout! And please, be careful when grating. No one wants a finger gratin.

Step-by-Step Process: Easy Peasy

1. Mash the chickpeas with a fork. Leave some texture.
2. Combine all ingredients in a big bowl. Mix well!
3. Optional, but recommended: Chill the mix for 15 minutes . It helps them hold their shape.
4. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
6. Brush the zucchini meatballs vegan lightly with olive oil.
7. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Flip halfway. Look for that golden brown perfection.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ball Game

Wanna take these zucchini meatballs to the next level? Squeeze the excess water from the grated zucchini. It stops them from going soggy.

A proper baked falafel alternative is crispy! Trust me on this one.

Don't overbake! Overbaking is a common mistake . Make sure you store it in a cool place to enjoy later.

These can be made ahead! Just store the unbaked balls in the fridge. They are perfect for healthy appetizer recipes .

I use this Mediterranean chickpea recipes when my parents came to visit me. They were so impressed by how tasty and fulfilling vegetarian meatball recipe could be.

You know? It was a proud moment for me. Also, sometimes I add some extra lemon zest, because why not? Enjoy these chickpea meatballs .

Recipe Notes for Your Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls

Hey there, foodies! Before you dive into making these totally scrummy Baked Chickpea Zucchini Balls , I wanted to share a few extra thoughts.

Think of these as little secrets to making your baking experience even better, like a baker's handshake. Plus, we will see other Healthy Appetizer Recipes using zucchini.

Serving them Up

These aren't just any Chickpea Meatballs . Plating matters, right? Think about how good these Zucchini Meatballs look on a bed of couscous.

Or even better, piled high on a platter for a party. Seriously, a little bit of parsley sprinkled on top goes a long way.

For drinks, a crisp white wine or even a sparkling lemonade goes down nicely. If you are looking for a hearty meal, consider a side of roasted vegetables to be more fulfilling.

I've even seen people use these as a filling for tacos!

Storing the Goodness

Honestly, leftovers never last long in my house when I make these Quick Easy Vegan delights. But, if you have some willpower...

• Refrigeration: They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Pop them in an airtight container once they've cooled.
• Freezing: Fancy batch cooking? Freeze these beauties before baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months . When you're ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: I prefer to reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes . You can also microwave them, but they might lose a bit of their crispness.

Let's Mix it Up

Want to add your own twist? Go for it!

• Vegan Chickpea Meatballs: Swap the egg for a flax egg. Easy peasy! Or just skip the egg all together, it works fine.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, try using grated butternut squash instead of zucchini. Trust me, it's a game changer! We can use other Mediterranean Chickpea Recipes .

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. These Chickpea Meatballs Vegan balls are packed with protein and fiber.

This is thanks to the chickpeas, which is perfect for keeping you full and satisfied. It's a Vegetarian Meatball Recipe to be proud of.

These are pretty darn good for you.

Now Get Baking

So, there you have it. All my best tips for making these Zucchini Meatballs Vegan balls absolutely perfect. Remember, cooking should be fun.

It should be easy. It is a Baked Falafel Alternative ! Don't be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own.

You got this! Make them and share, so it can be the new Vegan Zucchini Fritters .