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Crispy chickpea nuggets

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

With just a few basic ingredients like dry chickpeas, spices, and miso, you can make crispy chickpea nuggets. Soak the chickpeas for a day, blend them into a smooth dough, shape into nuggets, and bake until beautifully golden and crunchy. Pair them with different sauces for a delightful snack or light meal. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor—ideal for a quick bite, appetizer, or family lunch!
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:02:41 GMT
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Crispy chickpea nuggets | Tasteofsavor.com

Discover crispy chickpea nuggets - a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional nuggets. This unique recipe transforms simple chickpeas into golden, crunchy bites that both vegetarians and meat-lovers will enjoy.

After testing this recipe multiple times in my kitchen, I've found that using dried chickpeas instead of canned makes a significant difference in texture. The results are consistently superior.

Key Ingredients and Their Purpose

  • Dried chickpeas: Provides firmer texture than canned
  • White miso: Adds depth and umami flavor
  • Spice blend: Sweet and smoked paprika create complex flavor
  • Cornstarch: Ensures perfect crispiness
  • Baking powder: Creates lighter texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soaking and Preparation:
Soak chickpeas in cold water for 24 hours. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch.
Creating Texture:
Divide soaked chickpeas in half. Pulse first portion until coarsely ground.
Making the Binding Mixture:
Blend second portion with diced onion. Add spices and miso gradually. Mix in cornstarch and baking powder last.
Forming Nuggets:
Combine both mixtures gently. Shape into 30g portions. Brush with oil and arrange with space between.
Baking:
Bake at 400°F in a convection oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
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Serving Suggestions

These chickpea nuggets pair perfectly with homemade dips. Try combining Greek yogurt with fresh herbs and lemon juice for a bright, creamy accompaniment.

Presentation Ideas

  • In grain bowls with roasted vegetables
  • Wrapped in flatbread with fresh veggies
  • Atop Mediterranean salads
  • Served with homemade hummus

Cooking Methods

  • Air fryer: 12-15 minutes at 350°F
  • Stovetop: 4-5 minutes per side
  • Combination oven: 10 minutes convection plus broil

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container
  • Freezer: up to 3 months uncooked
  • Reheating: 5 minutes at 350°F

Recipe Variations

  • Curry version: Add curry powder and turmeric
  • Mediterranean style: Mix in basil, oregano, sun-dried tomatoes
  • Spicy blend: Include cayenne and chili powder

Nutritional Benefits

  • Baking reduces fat content
  • Add ground flaxseed for omega-3s
  • Incorporate grated vegetables for extra nutrients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned chickpeas?
No, it's best to use dry chickpeas to get the right texture.
→ What dips go well with these?
They’re awesome with spicy dip or yogurt-based sauces.
→ Can these nuggets be stored in the freezer?
Yep, you can freeze them either before or after baking.
→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Just dampen your hands a bit before shaping the nuggets.
→ Is there a substitute for miso?
Sure, use some soy sauce or even a bouillon cube instead.

Chickpea nuggets

Homemade crunchy nuggets that are great for a balanced meal.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Yield: Makes about 15 nuggets

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1/2 of an onion
02 200 g dried chickpeas
03 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 A drizzle of oil + extra for frying
05 1 teaspoon vinegar
06 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
07 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
09 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
10 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
12 1 tablespoon dried Provence herbs
13 1 tablespoon light miso paste or a vegetable stock cube

Instructions

Step 01

Put the dried chickpeas in a bowl filled with water and let them soak for a full 24 hours.

Step 02

After the chickpeas have soaked, drain them and rinse thoroughly. Blend one half of the chickpeas with a little bit of salt until it's a rough, chunky mix. Put this in a large bowl. Take the other half of the chickpeas and blend them with the onion, miso, dried herbs, spices, vinegar, oil, cornstarch, and baking powder. Mix the two batches together until smooth and well combined.

Step 03

Set your oven at 200°C so it can preheat. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Take a spoonful of the dough and press it into nugget shapes with your hands, then place on the tray. Lightly brush the tops with a bit of oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they turn golden brown.

Notes

  1. These nuggets are great for appetizers or as a vegetarian meal.
  2. Try them with your favorite dipping sauce for an even tastier experience!

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Baking tray with parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • May contain gluten depending on the type of miso used.
  • Contains legumes (chickpeas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 4 g