Are you tired of searching for nutritious snacks that the entire family can enjoy? Want something healthy that also feels like a treat?
Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets are a delicious and satisfying option that fits perfectly into busy lives. These little nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. With a delightful mix of spices and the hearty goodness of chickpeas, they offer a unique and appetizing twist on traditional nuggets. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps, making them ideal for quick meals or snacks.
Why make these nuggets? They are simple to prepare, loaded with plant-based protein, and make a fantastic finger food for kids and adults alike. With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, it’s essential to have a go-to recipe that’s both quick and nourishing. These nuggets can easily become a family favorite or a staple in your meal prep routine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking or frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Mash the chickpeas in a large bowl with a fork until they are mostly smooth but still have some texture.
Stir in the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, bell pepper, nutritional yeast, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Form the mixture into small nugget shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet if baking. If frying, spray the skillet lightly with olive oil.
Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or cook in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-mash the chickpeas; leaving some texture adds a nice bite.
- Feel free to use different spices to suit your taste. Try adding chili powder for a bit of heat!
- Make sure your baking sheet is lined to prevent sticking if you choose to bake.
Substitutions & Variations of Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free, and consider using quinoa instead of breadcrumbs for a unique texture.
Variations: You can easily stir in veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini for added nutrition, or switch the spices to create different flavor profiles, like buffalo or barbecue tastes.
Storage Instructions of Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: These nuggets freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead: You can form the nuggets a day ahead and keep them in the fridge, so they are ready to bake or fry when you need them!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying? Yes, baking is a great healthier option, and they turn out crispy in the oven!
Can I use canned chickpeas? Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe – just be sure to drain and rinse them well.
How do I reheat leftover nuggets? Reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Conclusion
Making Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets is not just about enjoying a tasty treat; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that values both health and flavor. These nuggets are versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone around the table. So why wait? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating to share your experience!
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Healthy Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
Delicious and satisfying vegan nuggets made from chickpeas, packed with flavor and perfect for quick meals or snacks.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking or frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Mash the chickpeas in a large bowl with a fork until they are mostly smooth but still have some texture.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, bell pepper, nutritional yeast, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small nugget shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet if baking. If frying, spray the skillet lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or cook in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Don’t over-mash the chickpeas; leaving some texture adds a nice bite. Feel free to use different spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free