Chickpea meatballs are a great dinner saver, quick to prepare, tasty and rich in vegetable proteins. Here’s how to prepare them quickly using stale bread. A great anti-waste idea.
Are you looking for a cheap, tasty recipe that reduces food waste? Chickpea meatballs with stale bread are the perfect solution! Not only are they easy to prepare, but they are also a nutritious and versatile dish, ideal for those who want to eat more consciously without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for chickpea meatballs with stale bread
- 250 g of boiled chickpeas (you can use canned ones or cook them yourself)
- 2 slices of stale bread (preferably wholemeal or homemade)
- 1 clove of garlic
- Chopped fresh parsley (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional, but will give a nice color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil (for frying or brushing for baking)
- Enough water to soften the bread
Preparation of chickpea and stale bread meatballs
- Prepare stale bread: If the bread is particularly hard, cut it into small pieces and soak it in a little water for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes soft. Squeeze the bread to remove excess water.
- Blend the chickpeas: In a blender or with an immersion blender, blend the boiled chickpeas until you obtain a coarse puree. It is not necessary to make a smooth cream, the ideal is to have small pieces of chickpeas to give consistency to the meatballs.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chickpea puree with the soaked and squeezed bread. Add the finely chopped garlic, parsley, turmeric (if using), salt and pepper. Mix everything well until you get a smooth mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water to make it more malleable.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and form them into walnut-sized balls. You can also shape them slightly flat, like a hamburger, if you prefer a crispier texture.
Cooking the meatballs
Chickpea meatballs can be cooked in two ways:
- Fried: Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry the meatballs until golden brown and crispy. Remember to turn them gently to avoid breaking them.
- Baked: If you prefer a lighter version, brush the meatballs with a little olive oil and cook them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
- Serve: The chickpea balls are ready! You can accompany them with a yogurt sauce, a tomato sauce or a simple green salad. They are also perfect as a tasty snack or for a light lunch.
Why use stale bread in meatballs?
Using stale bread to make chickpea meatballs is a great way to reduce waste in the kitchen. Instead of throwing away the bread you no longer use, you can recycle it creatively and turn it into a rich ingredient. Bread not only helps bind the ingredients together, but it also gives the meatballs a softer texture and a delicious flavor.
In addition, stale bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, which, combined with chickpeas (a legume rich in protein and iron), makes these meatballs a complete and nutritious dish. It is an excellent choice for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Recipe variations
If you want to give a personal touch to the recipe, you can add other ingredients such as:
- Grated cheese (if you are not vegan)
- Sesame or poppy seeds to add to the dough or as decoration for the meatballs
- Vegetables such as grated courgettes or chopped spinach, to enrich the dish with more fibre and vitamins
- Spices such as paprika, black pepper or curry, for a more intense flavour
Conclusions
Chickpea meatballs with stale bread are a simple, cheap and delicious recipe that allows you to use ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. They are perfect for those who want to eat more sustainably, without sacrificing taste. Next time you have stale bread at home, don’t throw it away! Transform it into these meatballs and enjoy a healthy and flavorful dish.