Description
These vegan chickpea mushroom meatballs are packed with flavor and served in a rich, creamy curry sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the meatballs:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the creamy curry sauce:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp maple syrup or agave
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until coarsely mashed (not pureed). Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into 12-14 meatballs (about 1.5 tablespoons each).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 8-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, heat coconut oil. Sauté onion until soft (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
- Stir in curry powder and turmeric; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt.
- Return meatballs to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve over rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
To make gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour. For a nut-free version, ensure coconut milk is pure (no additives). Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 12g