I’m having a real meatball moment. I’ve made eggplant meatballs, Swedish meatballs, and easy vegan meatballs with seitan. But somehow, after all this time, I hadn’t created a meatball with my most favorite ingredient. Enter chickpea meatballs. This recipe is super simple and the perfect addition to a quick dinner. The best part is that they are made with all panty staples, so they are perfect for when you just don’t know what else to make.
Why you’ll love it
Meal prep and freezer friendly because you can easily make a double batch to store in the fridge or freezer. Versatile and kid-friendly because you can eat them just with a dipping sauce, in a wrap, with spaghetti and noodles (or just butter noodles), and much more! Plus they sneak in protein and fiber from the chickpeas.
Ingredients for chickpea meatballs
If you’ve ever made meatballs, you probably know that they usually require breadcrumbs and eggs to bind the ingredients. These vegetarian meatballs are no different, they just use the binders to hold together chickpeas rather than meat!
The “meat” of the meatballs: The base of these meatballs is chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and eggs. I prefer canned chickpeas for convenience but feel free to use the dried ones you’ve prepared. You can also use any breadcrumbs you like, including gluten-free. Spices & Vegetables: To season the meatballs, you’ll need fresh Italian parsley with the stems removed, fresh garlic (or pre-minced), red onion, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Oil: This is just needed for cooking so you can use any kind of vegetable oil you like!
Chickpea meatballs couldn’t be easier
Why this Recipe Works
Vegetarian meatballs might sound like they’re trying to be something they’re not. But here’s why you (and any meat-loving friends) are going to love them!
These meatballs have classic Italian flavor meaning the actual taste will bring you right back to your favorite Italian restaurant. They look like meatballs because if it looks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck (or chickpeas).
How to serve meatballs
Vegetarian meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. This chickpea version can be Italian or Mediterranean because the cultures share some similar spices. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Marinara Sauce, meatballs, and parmesan cheese, the most classic combo, right? Easy Veggie Wraps are that much better with a little bite to them from chickpea meatballs. Rotini Pasta Bake is a one-pan wonder that is perfect topped with fresh vegetarian meatballs. Marry Me Butter Beans had to make the list because these meatballs are just out of this world paired with a creamy Tuscan sauce and butter beans.
