Ingredients

380 g chickpeas , drained and mashed
150 g fresh spinach , chopped
400 g ricotta cheese
150 g dry grated parmesan cheese
1 small onion , diced
3 garlic cloves , minced
12 leaves fresh basil , chopped
175 g breadcrumbs ( or more , see step 4 below )
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large eggs , beaten
2 tablespoons garlic granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons mixed italian herbs
These Spinach, Ricotta and Chickpea 'meatless' Balls are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from game days to family dinners. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicious blend of spinach, ricotta cheese and chickpeas that will satisfy every palate. This recipe is also great for vegans and vegetarians, as it provides a great source of protein and fiber without any meat. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack that everyone will love.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, mix the chickpeas, spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, breadcrumbs, olive oil, beaten eggs, garlic granules, salt, black pepper and Italian herbs until everything is well combined.
2.Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3.Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
4.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5.Using an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 30 balls.
6.Bake the balls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside.
7.Serve the balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

PROS

These ‘meatless’ balls are packed with flavor and are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

They are the perfect appetizer for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

CONS

These balls take some time to prepare, but the result is well worth it.

They are also a bit high in calories and fat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The spinach in these balls is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium and calcium.
The chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
The ricotta cheese is high in calcium and protein, which supports bone health and muscle growth.

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