Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to snack: chickpea broccoli nuggets! These little bites are not only healthy but also super tasty, making them perfect for any time of the day. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a healthy eating challenge, and I was blown away by how delicious they turned out. Trust me, you won’t even miss the deep-fried stuff! Packed with protein from the chickpeas and vibrant green goodness from the broccoli, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone complaining. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making these sooner! So, let’s dive into making the best chickpea broccoli nuggets ever!
Ingredients List
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (I love using cheddar for a bit of sharpness!)
- 1 egg (this helps bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that lovely aroma)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Chickpea Broccoli Nuggets
Making these chickpea broccoli nuggets is a breeze! Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Follow these simple steps, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with that delicious, savory aroma. Ready? Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step to ensure that your nuggets bake evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained and rinsed chickpeas with a fork until mostly smooth. You want some chunks for texture, so don’t overdo it!
- Add the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. This is where the magic happens—mix until everything is well combined.
- Now, it’s time to form the mixture into nugget shapes. Don’t worry about them being perfect; they’ll taste amazing no matter what!
- Arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they get golden brown and crispy!
Once they’re done, let them cool for a minute before diving in. You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a healthy snack option packed with protein and fiber.
- Preparation is super quick and easy—perfect for busy days!
- These nuggets are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor.
- Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty bites!
- They’re versatile; you can add your favorite spices or veggies!
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy all week!
Tips for Success
To get the best out of your chickpea broccoli nuggets, here are a few tips I swear by! First, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Also, feel free to experiment with spices—smoked paprika or cumin can add a delightful twist. If you want a cheesier flavor, try mixing in some feta or parmesan! Just keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that golden-brown perfection a couple of minutes early. Trust me, these little adjustments can take your nuggets to the next level!
Nutritional Information
These chickpea broccoli nuggets are not just delicious; they’re also a great choice for your health! Each serving, which is about four nuggets, contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 2g, Unsaturated Fat: 3g)
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: they’re a nutritious snack that keeps you feeling satisfied!
FAQ Section
Got questions about chickpea broccoli nuggets? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers to help you out.
Common Questions
Can I make these nuggets gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. They’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re perfect for quick snacks later!
Can I freeze them? Yes, you can! Just let the nuggets cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to two months.
How do I reheat them? To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps keep them nice and crispy!
What dips go well with these nuggets? Oh, so many options! I love serving them with hummus or a tangy yogurt dip. BBQ sauce or ranch dressing works great too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chickpea broccoli nuggets is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them too! Let the nuggets cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container—perfect for quick snacks down the line!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat the nuggets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy and delicious!
Print
Chickpea Broccoli Nuggets: 7 Tasty Joys Await You
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chickpea broccoli nuggets are a healthy and delicious snack or meal option packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork.
- Add chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into nugget shapes.
- Place nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- These nuggets can be frozen for later use.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 nuggets
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chickpea broccoli nuggets, healthy snacks, vegetarian recipes