Crispy Chickpea Meatballs
Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod
Flavorful baked chickpea meatballs made with veggies, herbs, and feta. Crispy on the outside, tender inside — perfect for bowls, pitas, or meal prep!
Servings: 16 meatballs
Calories: 56kcal
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Avocado or olive oil spray
For the bowls:
- Cauliflower rice or rice (can use quinoa)
- Arugula or mixed greens
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pickled red onions
- Chopped cucumber
- Chopped tomatoes
- Tahini Dressing
- Feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the chickpeas, zucchini, carrots, feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and oregano. Pulse until well combined and mostly smooth. Add the panko and pulse just a few times until mixed in.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons per ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Spray generously with oil spray.
- Bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until the balls are golden brown on the bottom and slightly crispy on the outside.
- To assemble bowls, add rice and greens to bowl. Top with the chickpea meatballs, tzatziki, pickled red onions, cucumber, and tomato. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with feta cheese. You can also enjoy the chickpea meatballs in a pita sandwich, over greens, or plain!
Notes
Storing in the fridge: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
How to Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 743IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg