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Inspired by videovegetarianchickpea

Knusprige Kichererbsen-Bällchen mit Zitronen-Kräuter-Soße

Crisp oven-baked chickpea balls seasoned with harissa, cumin and lemon, served with a cool tahini-herb sauce. Baking instead of shallow-frying and using a sesame-rich sauce gives the familiar chickpea base a different flavor and texture.

Knusprige Kichererbsen-Bällchen mit Zitronen-Kräuter-Soße by Gesunde Rezepte — recipe photo

Crisp oven-baked chickpea balls seasoned with harissa, cumin and lemon, served with a cool tahini-herb sauce. Baking instead of shallow-frying and using a sesame-rich sauce gives the familiar chickpea base a different flavor and texture.

20 min
Prep time
28 min
Cook time
48 min
Total time
5 (4 balls per serving)
Yield

Ingredients

15 ingredients
Per serving390 kcal
Fat
18g
Carbs
44g
Protein
15g

Whole recipe (5 servings): 1950 kcal

  • 2 cans (400 g each) chickpeas, drained and patted dry (about 480 g drained)
  • 1 small carrot, finely grated and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 60 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sauce: 120 g tahini
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp cold water, plus more as needed
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint

Method

5 steps
  1. Heat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a tray with baking paper and brush lightly with oil.
  2. Mash chickpeas coarsely with a fork, leaving some texture. Mix with carrot, onion, garlic, harissa, cumin and salt. Stir in egg and panko; rest 10 minutes so the crumbs absorb moisture.
  3. Shape into 20 balls, about 3 cm wide. Brush or drizzle with the remaining oil and arrange with space between them.
  4. Bake 24–28 minutes, turning after 15 minutes, until browned and firm throughout. Do not taste the raw mixture because it contains egg.
  5. Whisk tahini and lemon juice; add cold water a spoonful at a time until smooth and pourable. Stir in parsley and mint. Serve with the hot chickpea balls.

Recipe notes

Helpful tips

  • For extra crunch, roll the balls in additional breadcrumbs before frying.
  • If you prefer baking, place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
  • Adjust the lemon juice in the sauce to taste; start with 2 tablespoons and add more if desired.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Blender
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. The sauce can be stored separately for up to 4 days.

Additional tips

  • Contains egg, sesame and gluten. Cook balls fully until hot and firm through the centre.

Recipe inspiration

Inspired by Gesunde Rezepte

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