Curried Savory Veggie Neatballs

Packed with bold spices and wholesome plant-based goodness, Curried Savory Veggie Neatballs are a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. These vegetarian meatballs combine protein-rich chickpeas, hearty rolled oats, and vibrant veggies like grated carrot and onion, all seasoned to perfection with curry powder, cumin, and fresh cilantro. Baked to a golden finish, they’re a healthy, oven-roasted alternative to fried options. An optional creamy coconut curry sauce adds a luscious layer of indulgence that’s perfect for dipping or drizzling. Quick to prepare and entirely customizable (including a gluten-free option), these neatballs make a versatile main course—serve with rice, naan, or a crisp salad for a satisfying plant-based meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is a must-try for fans of global flavors and vegetarian dining!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chickpeas, cooked (drained and rinsed if canned)
• 1 cup Rolled oats
• 1 piece Small carrot, grated
• 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 0.5 cup Coconut milk (for optional creamy dipping sauce or glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Curry paste (for optional creamy dipping sauce or glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, oats, grated carrot, onion, garlic, cilantro, curry powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it forms a slightly coarse, sticky dough. Avoid over-processing; you want a bit of texture.

Step 3

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the olive oil and flour. Mix well until the dough holds together when pressed.

Step 4

Form the mixture into small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.

Step 5

Bake the neatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 6

While the neatballs bake, optionally prepare the creamy dipping sauce or glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk and curry paste. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 7

Serve the warm curried neatballs with the optional sauce for dipping, or pair with rice, naan, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(686.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1229.6

Total Fat 55.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3727.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.0g	0%
Total Sugars 22.3g
Protein 40.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 277.3mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 1870.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.2%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 48.0%