Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets – Crispy, Golden, and Packed with Goodness

Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets – Crispy, Golden, and Packed with Goodness

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings Category: Appetizers Cuisine: Mediterranean Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Description Crispy, golden nuggets made from chickpeas and vegetables, perfect for snacks, lunches, or light dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons water or vegetable broth (as needed)
  • Oil for frying or baking spray
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Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove the canning liquid and pat them dry.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until coarsely mashed, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
  3. Add grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, parsley/cilantro, and minced garlic. Stir well.
  4. Sprinkle in paprika and ground cumin, season with salt and black pepper, and mix.
  5. Mix in breadcrumbs and flour, then add water or vegetable broth one tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together.
  6. Scoop out portions and shape into nuggets, then roll in extra breadcrumbs to coat.
  7. For frying, heat oil in a skillet and cook nuggets for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  8. For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange nuggets on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. For extra crunch, fry instead of bake, and adjust moisture levels according to vegetable use.