Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls

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Weight Watchers Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls are a nutritious and appealing appetizer recipe. These nutrient-dense and high-protein balls are made with quinoa, chickpeas, and spices. Anyone searching for a pleasant and delicious food that fits their Weight Watchers eating plan would love these. These Weight Watchers Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls are a good choice because each serving gives only 1 point. They are a fantastic choice for anyone with dietary requirements because they are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. These balls are simple to prepare and nutrient-packed. Furthermore, you can customize these balls according to your choice.

Let’s prepare these yummy balls with the ingredients and steps (discussed below).

STATS

  • Course: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-free, Weight Watchers
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15- 20 minutes
  • Method: Baking

EQUIPMENT

  • Oven
  • One fork
  • One mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Serving plate

INGREDIENTS

  • Cooked chickpeas 1 cup
  • Powdered black pepper adds to the flavor
  • Half a cup of cooked quinoa
  • Grated carrot 1/4 cup
  • One-fourth cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup of crushed fresh parsley
  • Two chopped garlic cloves
  • Lemon juice 1 tbsp
  • One teaspoon of olive oil
  • Salt, add to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Adjust the oven to about 375 degrees F.
  2. Then, shift cooked chickpeas to a mixing bowl.
  3. With a fork, break the chickpeas into a crumbly texture.
  4. Next, add olive oil, lemon juice, grated carrot, cooked quinoa, crushed parsley, garlic cloves, and whole wheat breadcrumbs to the chickpeas.
  5. Now, combine all items with a spoon to make a sticky and velvety mixture.
  6. After that, roll the chickpea mixture into round balls with your hands.
  7. Next, transfer these balls to a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
  8. Bake these balls for 15 to 20 minutes or until completely cooked.
  9. The tempting and flavorful Weight Watchers Baked Chickpea and Quinoa Balls are ready.
  10. Shift these baked balls to a serving plate.
  11. Serve them with any low-point sauce and enjoy.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS OF THESE BAKED BALLS

Italian herb:

  • Use fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme to get the Italian herb taste.

Spicy taste:

  • Incorporate chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and cumin into the chickpea mixture.

Indian inspired:

  • Add Indian spices such as turmeric, coriander, and garam masala.

Mediterranean flavor:

  • Try these balls with dill, parsley, and zest of lemon to achieve a Mediterranean twist.

Mushrooms:

  • Add sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for an umami flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Serve these chickpea balls with baba ghanoush, whole wheat pita wedges, or hummus.
  • Incorporate these balls in zucchini noodles or whole-wheat pasta.
  • Use these quinoa balls as a stuffing for whole-wheat pita pockets.
  • Enjoy it with tender roasted asparagus.

TIPS

  • Use fresh and high-quality cooked chickpeas and quinoa for a flavorful base.
  • The cooked chickpeas can alternatively be mashed in a food mixer.
  • Add herbs (fresh) to the chickpea mixture, such as basil, mint, etc.
  • Avoid overbaking as it may cause the balls to become brittle (rough).
  • Try these balls with different flavors to get Middle Eastern or Asian flavors.
  • Create evenly sized balls to ensure even cooking.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Fridge:

  • Store these tempting quinoa balls in a sealed bowl and refrigerate them for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer:

  • After baking, put aside the baking tray to cool. Then, transfer the chickpea balls to a covered bowl and freeze them for 2 to 3 months.

Reheating:

  • These balls can be reheated in the microwave.

FAQs

What can I use to bind these quinoa balls together?

  • Use breadcrumbs, eggs, or almond meal as a binding agent.

How can I protect these balls from crumbling?

  • Use enough breadcrumbs and chill the mixture before baking. In this way, the balls retain their shape.

Which sauces pair well with these baked balls?

  • Enjoy these balls with tomato sauce, a light vinaigrette, pesto, or yogurt-based sauces.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING

Per Serving size 1 quinoa ball
Total quantity: 12 to 15 balls
Total Calories 60 kcal
Carbohydrates 10 g
Protein 2 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Total Fat 1 g
Sodium 50 mg

Each serving of these baked chickpea and quinoa balls has one (1) point.