Let’s Make Some Chickpea & Quinoa Meatballs!

I am not going to lie…it took me awhile to make a plant-based meatball recipe that Bennett and I both enjoyed, but this is definitely a winner! This recipe is so easy, has simple and nutritious ingredients and it tastes amazing. I love that these are perfect for my freezer stash and I can switch it up by topping them with different sauces (Bennett’s Favorite is Tomato Sauce)

Why Quinoa?

Quinoa is a superfood, it has some amazing health benefits and is one of my favorite foods. Quinoa is rich in Protein and Fiber, two very important nutrients for our growing babies. It is high in important minerals such as Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and Iron. I also love that quinoa is gluten-free so a great option if your little one has an issue with gluten.

Why Chickpeas?

Chickpeas are not only high in Protein but they are also high in Fiber, both very important for our babies. They are a great source of Potassium and Magnesium which contribute to a healthy heart. Lastly, one of the best parts about using Chickpeas in your little one’s diet is that they are inexpensive and easy, one can is about a dollar and makes enough hummus to last you all week.

Ingredients:

• One Can of Chickpeas

• One Cup of Quinoa

• 1/2 Cup of Green Onion

• One Teaspoon Garlic

• One Teaspoon Paprika

• Two Tablespoons Olive Oil

• Tomato Sauce of Choice (for Topping)

How To Make Them:

Let’s start by preheating our oven to 375 degrees. Now we can get our Quinoa cooking. Take one cup of dry Quinoa and rinse it. Once it is rinsed add it into a pot with two cups of Water. Place the pot on the stove on high heat, once the water begins to boil, add a cover on the pot and bring the heat down to simmer for 15 minutes.

While that is cooking, let’s chop half a cup of Green Onion and rinse our can of Chickpeas.

Once the Quinoa is cooked add the Chickpeas, Quinoa, Green Onion, Paprika & Garlic into a food processor and blend until smooth (add some Olive Oil if needed).

Now we can start forming our meatballs and get them on an oiled baking sheet and into the oven for 12-15 minutes.

Top these with your favorite Tomato Sauce and enjoy!