Delicious chickpea meatballs – better than meat!

 Delicious chickpea meatballs – better than meat!

“Why hasn’t anyone told me about this recipe before?” I asked myself when I first tasted these incredibly delicious chickpea meatballs.

"Health is wealth," the old saying goes, and this recipe is proof that healthy food can also be tasty.

Did you know that chickpeas contain almost the same amount of protein as meat – about 19 grams per 100 grams of cooked chickpeas – but with much less saturated fat?

This makes it an ideal alternative to meat, especially for those looking to reduce cholesterol, writes NMD.

If you're curious about plant-based alternatives to meat but don't know where to start, this simple recipe will impress you.

Below, I present to you this delicious dish that is not only easy to prepare, but is also full of nutrients.

Chickpeas, also known as "leblebi", are the main star in this recipe.

These meatballs are creamy, spicy, and crispy, and their taste is so rich that it will easily exceed expectations from traditional meat dishes.

Get ready to awaken your senses and discover a new favorite dish!

Interesting fact about chickpeas

Did you know that chickpeas have been cultivated for more than 7,000 years and are one of the oldest cultivated foods?

It has its origins in the Middle East and was a favorite food in ancient civilizations due to its nutritional value and diversity.

Required ingredients:

– 2 cups chickpeas (lebebi)
– 2 eggs
– Spices to taste: black pepper, red pepper, salt, cumin
– Half an onion (or a small onion), finely chopped
– Finely chopped parsley
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
– Oil for frying

Preparation method:

First, soak the chickpeas in water for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Then, drain the water well.

In a bowl, place the chickpeas and add the two eggs. Using a hand mixer, blend until you get a smooth, uniform paste.

Add spices to taste – black pepper, red pepper, salt and cumin – to enrich the taste.

Add the chopped onion, parsley, baking powder, flour and breadcrumbs. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth paste.

Wet your hands with water (to prevent the mixture from sticking) and form small meatballs.

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the meatballs until golden brown on both sides.

Once they are done, remove them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. Serve them warm, with your favorite side dish – fresh salad, yogurt or homemade sauce.