Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Meatballs
These Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Meatballs or should I say vegan Meatless Meatballs are so deliciously flavourful, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside - and they’re loaded with Mediterranean flavours. It doesn’t get any better than that.Made with cauliflower, chickpeas, fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes they taste like a small slice of Italy - a delicious, mouthwatering and irresistible Mediterranean slice that is.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 head Cauliflower Broken into florets
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Chopped
- 1 15 - ounce can Chickpeas Drained and drained
- 1 Red Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 3 tbsp Sun-dried Tomatoes Chopped
- 1 bunch Fresh Basil Chopped
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Cook the cauliflower in a pot covered with water for 12 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender (test by poking it with a knife)
- Heat a skillet with olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper at medium heat for 3 minutes or until the onions are soft.Once the onions have softened, add the minced garlic and stir together. Let everything cook for one more minute.
- Next, add the cooked and drained cauliflower to a food processor along with the chickpeas, onion/pepper mix and all the rest of the ingredients and process until everything is combined (be careful not to process too much as the chickpeas should still have a little texture).The mixture should be wet but come together in a ball without falling apart.
- Next, use two spoons or your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs and place the meatballs on the lined baking tray. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional).
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20 minutes, before flipping them over and baking for 15-20 minutes on the other side or until the meatballs are golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve with your favourite side dish and enjoy.
Notes
Freezer friendly.