How To Make Quinoa And Chickpea Meatballs

Are you looking for ways to replace meat in your recipes? Want to enjoy more nutritious and satisfying meals? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have a delicious recipe for making quinoa and chickpea meatballs. This light and easy to make recipe is the perfect addition to your healthy diet!

Both quinoa and chickpeas stand out for their high fiber, vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content. Both foods are also low in calories and an important source of energy. The best part is how versatile they are, you can add them to a wide variety of dishes.

Nutritional value

The nutritional properties of quinoa

Quinoa is rich in essential amino acids and fiber. It also contains no gluten. Quinoa is considered a superfood because of its amazing nutritional properties.

Technically, quinoa is a gluten-free pseudocereal that contains high amounts of protein, vitamin E and carbohydrates. Other nutrients we find in quinoa seed include the following:

• B vitamins
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• folic acid
• Iron
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Fats, including omega-3 fatty acids
• Fiber

The nutritional properties of chickpeas

Chickpeas are distinguished by their high nutritional value. They are a protein source with a high biological, mineral, fiber and antioxidant value. Chickpeas are legumes that are well known all over the world.

Although they have recently gained popularity, chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, they are valued for their high nutritional value, as they are an important source of the following, among others:

• B vitamins
• Vitamin E

• Protein
• folic acid
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Healthy fats
• Fiber

Meatballs from quinoa and chickpeas

In addition to being light in calories, quinoa and chickpea meatballs provide plenty of energy and essential nutrients. Now that you are familiar with the properties of these foods, now is the time to learn how to prepare delicious quinoa and chickpea meatballs.

So this is without a doubt a nutritious meal that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. So it’s time to get going and start making them!

Meatball ingredients

• Cooked chickpeas, 1 cup
• 1 clove of garlic
• Cooked quinoa, 1 cup
• 1 piece finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of chili pepper

Sauce ingredients

• 4 tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons onion
• 1 cooked carrot
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

How to prepare quinoa and chickpea meatballs

• First boil the chickpeas until they are soft.
• Then add the cooked chickpeas and garlic clove to a food processor.
• Process until you have a puree texture, then add a little salt and pepper and set aside.
• Then cook your quinoa in a separate pan.

• Next, add your chickpea puree to a shallow dish and toss with the quinoa, red pepper, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and cilantro.
• So make sure to mix everything until you have a uniform and manageable dough. Then place your mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• When this time is up, take chunks of your mixture and shape them into meatballs.
• Now prepare your sauce by mixing the tomato, garlic, onion, carrot and a cup of vegetable stock.
• Process until well blended, then transfer the mixture to a skillet with the previously heated olive oil.
• Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes and then add the meatballs.
• Then season with salt and pepper. Then let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until your meatballs are cooked.

• Finally, serve with whole grain rice and salad.

Interesting information about quinoa and chickpea meatballs

In addition to all the nutritional qualities we have mentioned above, we can add that these meatballs are 100% free of cholesterol. The final preparation also contains only 396 calories. Of course, the number of calories depends on what you eat next to your meatballs.

If you want to keep the concept of the dish healthy, you should choose healthy options such as light salads, whole grain rice or a creamy vegetable soup. These meatballs are great for replacing meat.

However, you can also eat them for dinner if you prefer. Below you will find the specific nutritional information for quinoa and chickpea meatballs. They include:

• Carbohydrates: 5 grams or 23% of the daily recommended amount.
• Protein: 3 grams or 35% of the daily recommended amount.
• Lipids: 3 grams or 9.6 of the daily recommended amount.
• Dietary fiber: 3 grams or 23% of the daily recommended amount.

So are you ready to try these delicious vegan meatballs? We’re sure you’ll want to include them in your regular diet. Not only are they extremely healthy, but they are also easy to make!