Crispy Coconut Curry Chickpea Nuggets Recipe for Vegans
These Coconut Curry Chickpea Nuggets are a delightful fusion of crispy texture and rich flavors, perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying meal. Packed with protein and infused with aromatic spices, they are a nutritious choice for everyone.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried cilantro)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon curry paste (red or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the nuggets will bake evenly and get crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, grated coconut, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cilantro. Use a fork or potato masher to partially mash the chickpeas until the mixture holds together but still has some texture. Aim for about 1-2 minutes of mashing.
- Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. You should have a slightly sticky mixture that can hold its shape.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into nugget shapes, about 1.5 inches wide. Place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for even cooking. This step typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the nuggets to help them crisp up while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- While the nuggets are baking, prepare the Coconut Curry Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, curry paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and salt. Stir continuously until the sauce is well mixed and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the nuggets are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with the coconut curry sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Make sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to eliminate excess sodium. For an extra crunchy exterior, consider baking the nuggets on a preheated baking sheet.