Sweet Potato Chickpea Nuggets Recipe
Delicious and wholesome Sweet Potato Chickpea Nuggets made with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, and a blend of flavorful spices. These baked nuggets are a perfect vegan snack or appetizer, offering a crispy exterior with a soft, doughy interior that’s great for dipping.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-15 nuggets 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegan
Vegetables and Legumes
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 15 oz chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup flax meal
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp pink sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Prep Work: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain and rinse chickpeas then pat dry. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into fourths to prepare for boiling.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover completely with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and transfer to the food processor bowl.
- Combine Chickpeas and Sweet Potatoes: Add the drained chickpeas to the food processor with cooked sweet potatoes. Pulse on high for 30-40 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well combined without chunks.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, flax meal, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pink sea salt, and black pepper to ensure even seasoning.
- Form Dough: Fold the sweet potato and chickpea mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix until a doughy texture forms and no flour remains visible. The mixture should hold together well.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up the dough and make it easier to shape.
- Shape Nuggets: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a spoon, scoop the chilled mixture and shape it with your hands into nuggets approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet. If the mixture becomes sticky, dust your hands with oat flour.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and slightly firm on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let nuggets cool for 10 minutes to set. Serve with BBQ sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- To prevent sticking while shaping nuggets, sprinkle oat flour on your hands as needed.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are fully cooked and tender before blending for smooth texture.
- These nuggets are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For gluten-free option, verify oat flour is certified gluten-free.
- Feel free to experiment with dipping sauces like spicy mayo, tahini, or avocado dip.
Keywords: sweet potato nuggets, chickpea nuggets, vegan appetizers, healthy snacks, baked nuggets, gluten-free snacks, plant-based protein