Who knew chickpeas could be the rockstars of meal prep? These little nuggets of joy are like the unsung heroes of the culinary world. With their nutty flavor and satisfying texture, chickpeas turn humble bites into a delightful surprise—kind of like discovering a forgotten $20 bill in your coat pocket. Whether you’re rushing out the door or looking for a quick snack, these bites are just the ticket, ready to save the day (and maybe even your appetite).
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, ½ cup breadcrumbs, flour, egg, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until the mixture forms a cohesive ball.
- Place the remaining ¼ cup of breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Use a cookie scoop to form two tablespoons of the chickpea mixture into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about ½-inch thick. Coat each disc in breadcrumbs and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Spray the chickpea bites with nonstick spray and bake them for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown.
- While the chickpea bites are baking, prepare the avocado dip. In a medium bowl, mash together avocado, lime zest and juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, until smooth.
- For storage, keep the chickpea bites refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. Prepare the avocado dip up to 1-2 days in advance to maintain its freshness.
- To freeze the chickpea bites, cool them after baking and freeze them solid on a baking sheet. Transfer to a bag or container, thawing in the fridge overnight before use. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas: 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup + ¼ cup for coating
- Flour: 2 tablespoons (use chickpea or almond flour for gluten-free)
- Egg: 1 (or a flax egg for vegan option)
- Lime juice: from 1 lime
- Toasted sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Avocado: 1, ripe
- Lime zest: from 1 lime
- Snap peas: for serving
- Carrots: for serving
- Trail mix: for serving
FAQ
- How long can chickpea bites be stored in the refrigerator?
- Chickpea bites can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Ensure they are cooled before placing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can chickpea bites be frozen for later use?
- Yes, chickpea bites can be frozen. After baking, let them cool, then freeze them solid on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before use.
- Is this chickpea bites and avocado dip meal prep a complete meal?
- The chickpea bites and avocado dip meal prep is suitable for lunch or as a healthy snack. It contains balanced amounts of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a nutritious option for meal prep.
- Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, to make the chickpea bites gluten-free, you can substitute chickpea flour or almond flour for regular flour. These alternatives will ensure the patties hold together well and maintain their taste.
- What are some alternatives for the avocado dip?
- While the recipe includes creamy avocado dip, you can use other dips like hummus or feta dip. These alternatives can provide variety and complement the chickpea bites well.
Tips
- Prepare the Avocado Dip Fresh: To prevent browning, make the avocado dip no more than a day in advance, ensuring it stays fresh and vibrant when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Opt for Gluten-Free Alternatives: For a gluten-free version of the chickpea bites, substitute regular flour with chickpea or almond flour. These alternatives will maintain the texture and taste without gluten.
- Utilise a Food Processor: Using a food processor will help achieve a consistent texture for the chickpea mixture, making the preparation quicker and easier. If one isn’t available, mash the chickpeas thoroughly with a fork before combining with other ingredients.
- Customize Your Meal Prep: Mix and match different fruits and vegetables in your meal prep containers for variety. While the recipe suggests snap peas and carrots, feel free to swap in your favorites, and consider pairing with different dips like hummus or feta for a change.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Essential for combining the chickpea mixture into a consistent texture.
- Spring Loaded Cookie Scoop – Useful for portioning the chickpea mixture into uniform balls.
- Baking Sheet – Required for baking the chickpea bites in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for non-stick baking.
- Nonstick Spray – To spray on the chickpea bites before baking to help them crisp up.
