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Chickpea Meatballs Recipe

Make a brand new version of the well-beloved spaghetti meatballs with our chickpea meatballs recipe–a healthy and hearty dish with accessible ingredients.
  • cook TIME 33 mins
  • prep TIME 12 mins
  • total TIME 45 mins
Course: Main DishCuisine: Global
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 478 kcal
Author: Luna Regina

Ingredients (19)

  • 10 oz canned chickpeas
  • 14 oz cooked spaghetti from 7 oz dry
  • 1 medium egg cracked and whisked
  • 1/2 cup plain Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup coriander finely chopped
  • 2 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour divided to 2 tbsp and 1/2 tbsp
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp traditional Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tbsp Hunt’s tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped
  • 0.5 oz grated parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep:

1

Boil the spaghetti: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Remove the spaghetti from the pot and drain them when done.

2

Prepare the canned chickpeas: Drain the canned chickpeas. Rinse them with water and pat them dry.

3

Whisk the egg: Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk it thoroughly.

4

Chop the coriander: Bunch the coriander together and chop it finely.

5

Mince the garlic: Slice off the root of the cloves and peel the skin. Mince the garlic cloves with a knife or mincer.

6

Chop the parsley: Bunch parsley together and chop finely.

7

Grate the cheese: Place the grater firmly on a cutting board. Press the cheese against the surface and grind.

Cook:

1

Blend the meatball mix: Add 10 oz canned chickpeas, 1 medium egg, 1/2 cup plain Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup coriander, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp garlic, 1 tsp traditional Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper to a food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.

2

Form the meatballs: Form the mixture into equal-sized meatballs. Roll the meatballs with the palm of your hands to ensure that they’re round.

3

Air-fry the meatballs: Place the meatballs in an air-fryer basket in a single layer and leave some space between the meatballs. Brush 1 tbsp olive oil on the meatballs and cook them at 400 °F for 10 minutes. Make sure to turn them half way through if needed.

4

Start the sauce: Prepare a pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour, and 1 tbsp of Hunt’s tomato paste. Stir for 30 seconds.

5

Add the sauce ingredients: Add 1 1/2 cups homemade tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix to combine.

6

Toss the meatballs with the sauce: Add the chickpea meatballs to the pan and toss for 3 minutes.

7

Stir in the spaghetti: Add 14 oz cooked spaghetti and mix for 5 minutes.

8

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp parsley and 0.5 oz grated parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 478kcal | Protein 15.4g | Fat 19.6g | Carbohydrate 62.2g | Fiber 7.9g | Calcium 90.9mg | Iron 2.3mg | Potassium 257.3mg | Sodium 581mg | Vitamin A 798.4IU | Vitamin C 4.8mg | Cholesterol 43.5mg | Saturated Fat 3.4g | Monounsaturated Fat 11.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g | Sugar 9g