How to Make Vegan Meatballs

breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Ground oats are a healthier alternative, while crushed crackers can be a budget-friendly option.

nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese adds a similar umami flavor, though it's not vegan.

vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water

Water can be used as a base, but broth adds more flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a more affordable option for frying.

In the basin of a food processor, pulse together chickpeas, onion, walnuts, oats, and garlic until it forms a coarse meal about the texture of ground beef. Don’t overmix. You should still see a few small chunks.

Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, and add in cooked brown rice, ketchup, soy sauce, chili powder, salt, and any additional spices you’re using. Stir until well-mixed.

If you like a meatball with smoother texture, transfer half of the mixture back into the food processor, and pulse until very smooth and pasty—add back to the other half of mixture and stir well to combine.

Heat a couple of tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form the meatball mixture into 1” balls and fry in skillet until golden brown on all sides—about 10 minutes total. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you’ll probably want to work in 2-3 batches.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens