Recipe of Chickpea Meatballs and Gnocchi Bake

Discover a mouthwatering recipe for Chickpea Meatballs and Gnocchi Bake. This vegetarian dish combines flavorful chickpea meatballs with tender gnocchi, all baked to perfection. Try this hearty and satisfying recipe today!

Gnocchi bake is a similar dish, but it is made from flour and water instead of meatballs. You can either cook them until they float or shape them into little pillows before baking. Both recipes are perfect for a fast, simple weeknight dinner or an appetizer before a party. So whether you’re looking for some plant-based protein or something lighter to enjoy with your friends, these recipes will fit the bill!

You can also see Recipe of Chickpea “Meatballs” and Gnocchi Bake

Recipe of Chickpea Meatballs and Gnocchi Bake

Here’s a recipe for Chickpea “Meatballs” and Gnocchi Bake:

Ingredients:

For the Chickpea “Meatballs”:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Gnocchi Bake:

• 1 pound store-bought or homemade gnocchi
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese for a vegan version)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Shape the chickpea mixture into small “meatballs” using your hands. The mixture should make about 12 to 15 meatballs, depending on the size.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpea meatballs and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly browned. Remove from heat.
5. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
6. In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to cover the bottom. Place the cooked gnocchi on top of the sauce and chickpea meatballs.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the gnocchi and meatballs, making sure everything is well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
10. Serve the Chickpea “Meatballs” and Gnocchi Bake warm and enjoy!

This recipe serves about 4 people, but you can adjust the quantities based on your desired serving size. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!

What are Chickpea Meatballs and Gnocchi Bake?

Chickpea “Meatballs” and Gnocchi Bake is a vegetarian or vegan dish that combines flavorful chickpea-based “meatballs” with soft gnocchi pasta in a savoury marinara sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional meatball dishes.

Chickpea “meatballs” blend cooked chickpeas with breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and other flavourings. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and cooked until browned. These “meatballs” have a hearty texture and a rich flavour that pairs well with the gnocchi and sauce.

Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. It has a soft, pillowy texture and is often served with various sauces. In this recipe, the gnocchi is cooked until tender and then layered with the chickpea “meatballs” in a baking dish.

The dish is brought together with a marinara sauce, which is a tomato-based sauce that adds a tangy and robust flavour. The marinara sauce is poured over the gnocchi and chickpea “meatballs” before baking. As the dish bakes, the sauce infuses the gnocchi and “meatballs” with its flavours, and the cheese on top melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

The result is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines the earthy taste of chickpeas, the softness of gnocchi, and the zesty marinara sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.