Soy-Free Hearty Vegetarian Meatballs

Savor the rich and satisfying flavors of these Soy-Free Hearty Vegetarian Meatballs, a wholesome plant-based alternative packed with protein and texture. Made with a delightful blend of chickpeas, walnuts, and rolled oats, these meatballs are seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, oregano, and basil for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. A touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while whole wheat breadcrumbs ensure a tender, cohesive texture. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with olive oil for a hint of crispness, these vegetarian meatballs are not only soy-free but also simple to prepare in just 45 minutes. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta for a comforting dinner or pair with your favorite dipping sauce as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, this high-protein, nutrient-dense recipe will soon become a staple in your meatless meal rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 15 oz Chickpeas, canned and drained
• 1 cup Rolled oats
• 1 cup Walnuts
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs, preferably whole wheat
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.75 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

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 walnuts and rolled oats. Pulse until you have a coarse meal texture.

Step 3

Add the drained chickpeas to the food processor and blend until they form a dough-like consistency.

Step 4

Transfer the chickpea mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

To the mixing bowl, add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but hold its shape.

Step 7

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown while baking.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 11

Serve the meatballs warm with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(896.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2422.2

Total Fat 144.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 61.2g
Cholesterol 259.5mg	0%
Sodium 3803.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.6g	0%
Total Sugars 25.9g
Protein 91.9g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 931.1mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 2449.9mg	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: 51.7%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 33.7%