Spicy chickpea balls

Spicy Chickpea Balls Recipe - A Delicious Vegan Appetizer
Looking for a vegan appetizer that's packed with flavor? Look no further than these spicy chickpea balls! Made with a blend of chickpeas, spices, and breadcrumbs, these balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, they're easy to make and perfect for serving at parties or as a snack.

Ingredients (serves 4):

- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Tips:

- To make the chickpea balls easier to shape, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming into balls.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or panko instead.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve the spicy chickpea balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Appearance and Taste:
These spicy chickpea balls are a perfect combination of crispy and tender. The golden brown exterior gives way to a soft and flavorful interior that's packed with spices. The cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper give the balls a smoky and spicy flavor that's sure to please. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious vegan appetizer that's sure to impress.
Type of Dish: Vegan Appetizer
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Breadcrumbs, Spices