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Easy crispy chickpea nuggets

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

Crunchy chickpea nuggets are a fantastic green option to replace regular nuggets. Start by soaking the chickpeas, then prepare two textures: one kept crumbly for that crunch, and the other smooth for binding. Seasonings like smoked paprika, coriander, and even miso enhance the flavor. Baking instead of frying cuts the heaviness while keeping them tasty. Both kids and adults love them, and they're great for meals at home, a party snack, or even packed lunches. A fun way to add some legumes to your diet!
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:31:59 GMT
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Crispy chickpea nuggets | Tasteofsavor.com

Chickpea nuggets are a delightful culinary discovery that transforms humble legumes into crispy, flavorful bites. This plant-based take on traditional nuggets delivers an irresistible texture - perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside. It's a healthy treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

This recipe has become a crowd favorite at all my gatherings. The homemade nuggets are so popular that even my children prefer them to store-bought versions!

Key Ingredients

  • Dried chickpeas (200g): Soak overnight for perfect texture
  • Spice blend (paprika, coriander, garlic): Creates irresistible flavor
  • White miso (1 tbsp): Adds deep umami notes
  • Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Ensures a golden, crispy coating
  • Fresh onion (1/2): Provides natural sweetness
  • Vegetable oil: For achieving golden-brown perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chickpea Preparation (24h ahead)
- Thoroughly rinse chickpeas
- Submerge in plenty of cold water
- Let soak for 24 hours
2. Making the Base
- Drain and dry the soaked chickpeas
- Process half until coarsely ground
- Finely blend remaining half with onion and seasonings
- Combine mixtures with cornstarch and miso
3. Shaping
- Form uniform-sized balls
- Gently flatten into nugget shapes
- Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Brush generously with oil
4. Baking
- Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes
- Flip halfway through
- Cook until golden and crispy

Chickpeas have become a kitchen staple since discovering their versatility. While traditional recipes often use them in stews, this modern interpretation creates something truly special.

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Veggie chickpea nuggets | Tasteofsavor.com

Spice Variations

Perfect seasoning makes these nuggets shine. Each batch can feature different spice combinations - try turmeric for golden color or cumin for Middle Eastern flair.

Storage Tips

Store nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

This recipe proves healthy cooking can be both delicious and fun. It's a perfect way to incorporate more legumes into any diet. Adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned chickpeas?
No, it’s best to stick with dried chickpeas for the right consistency. Canned chickpeas would make the mixture too wet.
→ What’s the best way to store them?
Keep the nuggets in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back their crispiness.
→ Is it okay to freeze them?
Absolutely! Flash freeze on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
→ What dipping sauces go best with these?
They’re great with herb yogurt dip, homemade ketchup, or even served with a fresh green salad.
→ Do I really need the miso?
Not necessarily. You can swap it for crumbled veggie bouillon, which gives a similar umami taste.

Veggie chickpea nuggets

These baked, spiced chickpea nuggets are crunchy and flavorful. A lighter twist on traditional nuggets made from wholesome ingredients.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Yield: 4 Servings (15 nuggets)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 200g dried chickpeas
02 Half an onion

→ Seasonings and Spices

03 1 tablespoon of light miso paste (or a bouillon cube)
04 1/4 teaspoon of sweet paprika
05 A tiny pinch of black pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon)
06 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
07 Sprinkle of powdered garlic (1/4 teaspoon)
08 Herbes de Provence, a tablespoon
09 Coriander powder (1/4 teaspoon)
10 Salt

→ Additional Components

11 A teaspoon of vinegar
12 Cooking oil
13 Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons
14 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder

Instructions

Step 01

Let the chickpeas sit in a bowl of water for a whole day, about 24 hours.

Step 02

Strain the chickpeas, rinse them off, and blend half of them with just a pinch of salt until the mix feels gritty.

Step 03

Take the remaining chickpeas and blend them with the onion, miso, the seasonings, vinegar, oil, cornstarch, and baking powder until you get something similar to a spread.

Step 04

Combine the blended mixtures from the two steps until you’ve got a perfectly smooth dough.

Step 05

Turn on your oven to preheat at 200°C. Shape the nuggets, brush them with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until they’ve got a golden color.

Notes

  1. Start soaking the chickpeas a day ahead.
  2. You’ll end up with roughly 15 nuggets with this recipe.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender or food processor
  • Oven
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper
  • Cooking brush

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 9 g