Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs [Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free]

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These gluten-free and vegan Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer! You can also make them into a meal by serving them over rice or quinoa! Drizzle these chickpea balls  with some homemade vegan ranch dressing or vegan blue cheese dressing for the ultimate flavor combination.

Rah! Rah! Rah! Sis, boom, bah!

For this year's big game, I'm cheering for the best team in town...Team Chickpea!

That's right! When you route for Team Chickpea, you're sure to score a touchdown!

Chickpeas can do it all! These babies are game for anything...

EVEN meatless meatballs...

EVEN Buffalo wing inspired meatless meatballs. 🙂

These two-bite balls of Buffalo sauce bliss are similar to my Buffalo chickpea burgers.

Of course, they both are made with chickpeas and Buffalo sauce...lol! 😉

However, one of the main differences is that the burgers are pan-fried while the chickpea balls are oven-baked.

How should these veggie balls be dressed?

The chickpea balls are also much smaller than the burgers, which them the perfect party appetizer...especially when served drizzled with some of our easy vegan ranch dressing, lower fat vegan ranch dip or vegan blue cheese. 🙂

A little heat paired with a little coolness...what’s not to love?

In addition to the ranch, I also topped the chickpea meatballs with some chopped scallions.

What about the Buffalo sauce?

Well, I’m not going to lie...I didn’t make it myself. Instead, I opted for store-bought Buffalo sauce.

The first time I made them I used Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce, which in case you weren’t sure, IS vegan.

I have been assured both via email and verbally that this sauce “doesn't include animal or animal by-products” and that “the natural butter type flavor (listed within the ingredients) is made with natural ingredients derived from sources other than milk and butter.”

Furthermore, I was also told that the current formulations for Frank’s RedHot sauces in general “do not contain any animal derivatives or synthesized milk proteins.”

On subsequent occasions, I've also used Noble Made Mild Buffalo sauce by The New Primal, which is another great vegan-friendly option.

So now that your taste buds are tantalized, let’s get on with the show…

How to make Buffalo chickpea meatballs - step by step

Start by making a flax egg by using a fork to whisk together 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Cover and set aside.

Next, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Then, roughly chop 2 medium carrots and ¼ of a sweet onion, and measure 2 tablespoons of parsley leaves.

Add the carrot, onion and parsley mixture to a food processor, and pulse until finely chopped, but not pureed.

Next, heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Add carrot mixture and kosher salt to taste, and cook on medium for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While the carrot mixture is cooking, rinse out the food processor and set aside for future use.

Also, drain and rinse your chickpeas and set aside. 

When the carrot mixture is done, allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes, and then add it to the food processor along with the chickpeas.

Process on low until everything is well combined but not pureed, scraping down the sides as needed.

Transfer chickpea mixture to a mixing bowl.

Add gluten-free/vegan bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, flax egg, kosher salt and Buffalo sauce.

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well-combined.

Use a small cookie scoop and scoop chickpea mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Then, use your hands to roll into rounded balls.

Bake for 15 minutes.

While the chickpea balls are in the oven, melt vegan butter in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup.

Then, use a fork to whisk in Buffalo sauce.

When the "meatballs" are done, remove from the oven and set the baking sheet on top of the stove or on a heat resistant surface or mat.

Use a silicone pastry brush to baste each ball with the Buffalo sauce and butter mixture.

Return the tray of basted chickpea meatballs back into the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Serve as an appetizer or as a meal over rice or quinoa.

Team Chickpea FOR THE WIN!

More chickpea recipes 

• Vegan Ranch Chickpea Burgers
• Chickpea Veggie Loaf
• Chickpea Salad with Olives and Walnuts
• Chickpea and Butternut Squash Casserole

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