Vegan Chickpea Balls from the Oven – Crispy, Healthy & Perfect for Meal Prep!

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Vegan Chickpea Balls from the Oven – Crispy, Healthy & Perfect for Meal Prep!





Crispy, Healthy, and Flavorful: Oven-Baked Vegan Chickpea Balls for Easy Meal Prep

Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly versatile plant-based meal that's perfect for any day of the week, especially for meal prep? Look no further! These oven-baked vegan chickpea balls are crispy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to transform your chickpeas into a culinary delight that will keep you coming back for more!

The Star of the Show: Chickpea Balls

These chickpea balls are not only scrumptious but also a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based protein. The recipe ensures they come out wonderfully crispy from the oven, making them a healthier alternative to fried versions.

Ingredients for the Chickpea Balls:

  • 1 tin of chickpeas (approximately 240g drained weight / 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 tablespoons oat flakes
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder (smoked, if possible, for an extra depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

  1. Thoroughly mash the drained chickpeas.
  2. Add the oat flakes, flour, minced garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas.
  3. Mix everything until well combined and you have a cohesive mixture.
  4. Form the mixture into small, uniform balls.
  5. Brush or lightly spray the chickpea balls with a little oil. This step is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture during baking.
  6. Preheat your oven to 200 °C / 392 °F (top/bottom heat).
  7. Bake the chickpea balls for 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to turn them once during baking to ensure even browning and crispiness.

The Perfect Companion: A Simple Tomato Sauce

While delicious on their own, these chickpea balls are perfectly complemented by a quick and flavorful tomato sauce. This sauce adds a rich, aromatic base that ties the whole meal together.

Ingredients for the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can of chunky tomatoes (approximately 400g / 1 ½ cups / 14 oz)

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

  1. Finely chop the onion and red bell pepper.
  2. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in a little olive oil until softened.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, paprika powder, and dried oregano.
  4. Add the can of chunky tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

A Feel-Good Meal for Any Occasion

These vegan chickpea balls with a rich tomato sauce are more than just a recipe; they are a delightful, comforting, and wholesome meal that will make you feel good inside and out. They are incredibly simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or as a fantastic option for meal prepping ahead of time. Enjoy this feel-good meal that proves healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delicious!

#HealthyEating #CleanEating #HealthyRecipes #FoodIsMedicine #EatWell #HealthyLifestyle #PlantBased #NourishYourBody

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