Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets That Everyone Will Love

why make this recipe

Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets are not just delicious; they are a fun and healthy option for everyone, whether you follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your table. These nuggets are easy to make and packed with flavors and nutrients. The great news is, both kids and adults usually love them! They’re crunchy outside, tender inside, and customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish alongside salads or dips, everyone will find something to enjoy. Instead of deep-frying, we will bake these nuggets to make them healthier without sacrificing taste. The combination of chickpeas, vegetables, and seasonings not only creates an amazing taste but also makes each nugget a powerhouse of nutrition.

how to make Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets

Making Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets is straightforward, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can whip them up in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the process!

Ingredients

• 1 can Canned Chickpeas (Drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium Grated Zucchini (Replace with grated carrots if needed)
• 1 medium Grated Carrot (Use all carrots if zucchini is scarce)
• 1 small Minced Onion (Use onion powder if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Substitute with preferred herbs if desired)
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (Adjust to preference)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Substitute with garlic powder for milder flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Omit for milder nuggets)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Use smoked paprika for added flavor)
• 2 large Large Eggs (Flax eggs for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons Olive or Avocado Oil (Substitute with any preferred cooking oil)
• 1 cup Oat Flour or Breadcrumbs (Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
• Dipping Sauce Choices (Pair with marinara, hummus, or ranch dressing)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your nuggets are crispy and cooked evenly.

2. Prepare the Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained and rinsed canned chickpeas with a fork or a potato masher. You want to create a chunky paste, not a smooth puree. Leave some texture for bite.

3. Add Vegetables: Add the grated zucchini, grated carrot, and minced onion to the bowl of mashed chickpeas. Mix well until all the vegetables are combined evenly with the chickpeas.

4. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, minced garlic (or garlic powder if preferred), black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors are well distributed.

5. Incorporate Eggs: Crack the large eggs into the mixture, or if you’re using flax eggs, prepare them ahead of time (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for a few minutes to gel). Stir to combine.

6. Add Flour or Breadcrumbs: Gradually mix in your oat flour or breadcrumbs, stirring until the mixture holds together. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour or breadcrumbs as needed.

7. Shape the Nuggets: Using your hands, form small nugget shapes from the mixture, about the size of a golf ball, and slightly flatten them. Place them onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each nugget.

8. Drizzle with Oil: Lightly drizzle olive or avocado oil over the nuggets. This helps them to get golden and crispy in the oven.

9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even baking.

10. Serve: Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, hummus, or ranch dressing.

how to serve Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets

Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them fresh from the oven as a crunchy snack for kids and adults alike. Pair them with a simple dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or a homemade yogurt dip for added fun.

• As an Appetizer: Serve these nuggets at your next gathering or party. Place them on a platter with an array of dips, and watch your guests gobble them up.

• As a Meal: You can turn these nuggets into a complete meal by serving them with a fresh side salad or over a bed of greens. Add some roasted vegetables or grains like quinoa or brown rice for a hearty option.

• As a Lunchbox-Friendly Option: These make great additions to lunchboxes, as they’re tasty even when cold. Include a small container of dipping sauce for a delightful lunch treat.

how to store Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets

Storing your Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets is easy:

• In the Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to regain their crispness before serving.

• In the Freezer: To store nuggets for longer, you can freeze them. Place the uncooked shaped nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and keep them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook them, simply bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time.

tips to make Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets

Here are some tips to help you make the best Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets:

1. Don’t Skip the Oil: Drizzling oil before baking will help achieve a crispy texture. If you’re worried about calories, you can use a cooking spray instead.

2. Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to play with different vegetables based on your preference or what you have available. Bell peppers, corn, or spinach can be great additions or substitutes.

3. Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavors by adding more herbs or spices! You can experiment with cumin, coriander, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like some heat.

4. Making Them Gluten-Free: If you need gluten-free nuggets, ensure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether and use oat flour or ground oats.

5. Experiment with Dipping Sauces: You can whip up a quick yogurt-herb dip by mixing plain yogurt with fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing twist.

variation

• Baked vs. Fried: While this recipe focuses on baking for a healthier option, you can also gently fry the nuggets in a pan with a little oil if you prefer a richer flavor and texture. Be mindful of the cooking time, as they will cook faster than baking.

• Nugget Size: Feel free to play with the size of the nuggets. Smaller bites can make lovely appetizers, while larger ones work well as hearty snacks or main dish portions.

FAQs

1. Can I make these nuggets vegan?

Absolutely! To make these nuggets vegan, simply replace the two large eggs with flaxseed eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients just as effectively as eggs.

2. How long do these nuggets take to bake?

The nuggets typically take about 25-30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven. Keep an eye on them and flip halfway through for even cooking. You want them to be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

3. Can I freeze the nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze them! Shape the nuggets and place them on a lined baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen when ready to enjoy, adding a few extra minutes to your cooking time.

4. What can I serve with these nuggets?

These nuggets pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! Classic options include marinara, ranch dressing, and hummus. You can also try serving them with a green salad or grain dish for a full, satisfying meal.

5. Can I change the vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! The recipe is quite flexible when it comes to vegetables. You can substitute zucchini and carrots with any other mild veggies you like or have on hand, such as finely grated sweet potato, yellow squash, or even spinach.

Crispy Chickpea Vegetable Nuggets are an accommodating option for families, as they can appeal to various taste buds while incorporating healthy ingredients loved by all. Enjoy your cooking, and watch as everyone dives into these delicious bites!

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