VEGAN CHICKPEA MEATBALLS IN ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE

These vegan chickpea meatballs in roasted red pepper sauce make a fantastic meal. The savory vegan meatballs are cooked in a creamy red pepper sauce for a recipe that is easy to make, and even more delicious to eat! The recipe is easily made gluten free.

INGREDIENTS
CHICKPEA MEATBALLS (MAKES 24 LARGE MEATBALLS)

• 2 cups cooked brown rice or other grain, cold or room temperature
• 1 cup pecans
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 30oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (3 cups)
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (can substitute gluten free), if needed

ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE

• 2 roasted red peppers (~1 1/2 cups)
• 15oz can coconut milk
• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• lots of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• pinch of crushed red pepper
• basil or parsley to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor add the cooked brown rice, pecans, and garlic and pulse until finely ground. Add most of the chickpeas (reserve ~1/2 cup), nutritional yeast, tomato paste, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Process until ground into a thick mixture that holds can be pressed into a meatball and hold its shape. Add the breadcrumbs if the mixture is soft and needs help holding together. Add the rest of the chickpeas and pulse until they are coarsely chopped.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 ºF, and shape the mixture into balls using about 2 to 2 1/2 tbsp per ball. A cookie scoop makes quick work of this. Press the mixture together as you roll them to help them hold together.
3. For full instructions : www.thecuriouschickpea.com

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