Description
These crispy, smoky, bite-sized BBQ Chickpea Vegan Nuggets are a plant-based delight that will satisfy your cravings. They feature a crunchy exterior and a savory interior, coated in a flavorful smoky-sweet BBQ seasoning. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike, these nuggets are an easy and delicious snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas or 1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water (for vegan egg replacer)
- For Coating: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: extra BBQ seasoning or a pinch of cayenne
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed and water. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Blend the base: In a food processor, add chickpeas, oats, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and the flax egg. Pulse until a slightly chunky, moldable dough forms.
- Shape the nuggets: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and form into nugget shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Coat for crisp: In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and optional extra BBQ seasoning or cayenne. Lightly press each nugget into the breadcrumb mix, coating all sides.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Cool and serve: Let the BBQ chickpea vegan nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- A high-powered blender can be used if a food processor is unavailable, but a food processor is generally easier to manage and clean.
- For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Convection ovens can enhance crispiness, but standard ovens work perfectly well.
- Watch closely during the broiling step to prevent burning.
- These nuggets firm up slightly as they cool, making them ideal for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 nuggets
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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