Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Meatballs with Yogurt Dressing

If you're craving a delicious, nutritious, and simple-to-make meal, look no further than Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Balls with Yogurt and Herb Sauce.

These savory bites are packed with flavor, providing the perfect balance of sweetness from the sweet potatoes and heartiness from the chickpeas. Pair them with a creamy and tangy yogurt and herb sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning for a casual gathering, this dish will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Why Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas Are the Perfect Combination

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they are also a rich source of vitamins and fiber. Packed with vitamin A, they help support vision, immune function, and healthy skin.

Chickpeas, on the other hand, are an excellent source of protein, making them the perfect plant-based option to provide you with the energy needed for the day. When combined, these two ingredients create a filling and nutrient-dense base for the vegan meatballs.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Balls:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Yogurt and Herb Sauce:

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Balls

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

To start, steam or boil the cubed sweet potatoes until they are soft and tender. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.

Mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. If you prefer a little texture in your meatballs, leave some small chunks for added bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until most of them are mashed, but leaving some whole for a heartier texture. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture, but be sure not to over-process.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Add the mashed sweet potatoes, mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, ground flaxseeds, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl.

Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and sticks together when pressed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or more olive oil. If it's too wet, add extra breadcrumbs to thicken it.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Once the mixture is ready, wet your hands with a little water and form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 15-20 balls, depending on the size you prefer. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Vegan Balls

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the sweet potato and chickpea balls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly.

How to Make the Yogurt and Herb Sauce

While the vegan meatballs are baking, prepare the yogurt and herb sauce. In a small bowl, combine the plant-based yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, dried dill, and fresh mint.

Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. For a thinner sauce, add a little more lemon juice or water to reach your desired consistency.

Serving the Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Balls

Once the vegan meatballs are done, serve them hot with a generous drizzle of the yogurt and herb sauce on top. You can also garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

These vegan meatballs pair beautifully with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of quinoa or rice for a complete meal.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Not only are these vegan sweet potato and chickpea balls incredibly tasty, but they are also packed with nutrients.

The sweet potatoes provide a dose of beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function, while the chickpeas deliver protein, iron, and fiber to keep you feeling full and energized.

The yogurt and herb sauce adds a creamy element that balances the savory flavors of the meatballs without being too heavy.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-make vegan recipe, these sweet potato and chickpea balls with yogurt and herb sauce are a perfect choice. They’re delicious as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, making them ideal for any occasion.

They’re also meal prep-friendly, so you can make a large batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Simply store the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Plant-Based Perfection

In conclusion, vegan sweet potato and chickpea balls with yogurt and herb sauce are an excellent addition to any vegan or plant-based diet. They’re packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and provide a good balance of nutrients.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for something both healthy and delicious.

Enjoy these crispy, golden bites with the fresh, tangy yogurt sauce – the perfect combination for a satisfying meal!

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