I’ll be the first to admit that zoodles are not an equal replacement for regular pasta– anyone who says otherwise is straight up lying. I’d take a regular bowl of pasta any day over spiralized zucchini. BUT, I swear by them for this recipe.
Hear me out-
The chickpea meatballs are made from a blend of chickpeas, oat flour and some spices, which turns out to be a great combination of starch and protein. What’s missing is a light veggie to balance all of that out- cue the zucchini noodle.
The flavor combo works so well together for these chickpea meatballs and zoodles. It’s a great way to pack in fiber, plant-based protein and tons of veggies! I like a thicker cut for my zoodles, so I used a vegetable peeler to shave them and then sliced them in half. All they need is a quick saute when you add the sauce and they’re ready to go.
A sprinkle of parmesan would be great on this if you’re not strictly vegan, or some shredded cheese (vegan or non-vegan).
It’s one of those super easy weeknight recipes that is perfectly comforting, yet light and satisfying, and comes together in just 35 minutes!
Chickpea ‘Meatballs’ and Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 15.5 can can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 2 tbsp water, plus more if needed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- nutritional yeast to top
Directions
- Using a vegetable peeler, thinly shave your zucchini to create wide ribbons, and then slice them in half lengthwise (or spiralize them for a thinner noodle). Set aside.
- Pulse the chickpeas in a food processor, until mashed.
- Mix in the seasonings and oat flour and pulse until well combined.
- Pour in the water by the tbsp until a dough forms.
- Heat a pan with your cooking oil on medium/low heat.
- Scoop out about 1 tbsp of dough and roll into a ball. Cook in the skillet until brown on all sides, flipping every 2 minutes- about 12-15 minutes total.
- Pour the sauce and zucchini noodles into the pan and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Top with nutritional yeast and enjoy!
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