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A delicious plate of Baked Chickpea and Rice Balls

Baked Chickpea and Rice Balls

These baked chickpea and rice balls are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer, packed with flavor and easy to make!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 240 g chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 185 g cooked rice
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 g fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 60 g breadcrumbs
  • 15 ml olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, lightly mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still chunky.
  3. Add the cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley to the bowl and stir to combine.
  4. Season the mixture with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then mix thoroughly.
  5. Stir in the beaten egg and breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together; add a splash of water if too dry.
  6. Scoop about two tablespoons of mixture and roll into a ball; repeat to make 12–14 balls.
  7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

Notes

These balls can be served with a dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own. They also freeze well for later use.