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Irresistible Gluten-Free Chickpea Spinach Bites

Okay, let's dive into this!

I'm excited to share one of my all-time favorite go-to gluten-free snack recipes with you. Forget those bland, cardboard-tasting gluten-free options – we're talking about flavor explosions here! And the best part? They're surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you're not a seasoned chef. I remember the first time I went gluten-free, I felt like I was missing out on *everything*. Then I realized that with a little creativity, and the right ingredients, you could have snacks just as delicious (or, dare I say, *more* delicious) than their gluten-filled counterparts. This recipe, my friends, is a testament to that. So buckle up, let's get snacking!

Zesty Chickpea & Spinach Bites: Your New Gluten-Free Snack Obsession

These aren't your average veggie bites! We're packing in flavor and nutrients with this little number – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and naturally gluten-free. Think of them as mini-fritters, perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a light appetizer. They're also fantastic for meal prepping since they hold up well in the fridge. Plus, they appeal to almost *everyone*. I've made these for potlucks, kids' birthday parties, and even grumpy teenagers, and they always disappear in a flash. Ready to see what all the fuss is about?

Crispy chickpea spinach bites on a plate, close-up.

Ingredients You'll Need

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: First, roughly chop the spinach. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly to remove any dirt! Also, finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the whole process smoother.
  2. Mash the Chickpeas: In a medium-sized bowl, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Using a fork or potato masher, mash them until they're mostly broken down. A few chunks are okay, don't go for completely smooth. We want some texture!
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Pour the olive oil and lemon juice over the mashed chickpeas. Add in the lightly beaten egg and stir until everything is nicely combined.
  4. Add the Flavors: Now it's time for the aromatics! Stir in the minced garlic, chopped red onion, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes. Mix well, making sure the spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
  5. Fold in the Dry Goods: Add the gluten-free oats and the gluten-free flour into the bowl. Mix this in until everything is combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing can make the dough a little dense.
  6. Fold In the Spinach: Gently mix in the chopped spinach, making sure it's evenly distributed.
  7. Form the Bites: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or your hands to form small, flat patties (about 2-3 tablespoons of mixture per patty). Or if you want them more cookie-like you can use a cookie scooper if you want uniformed shapes.
  8. Cook 'Em Up: Place the patties carefully into the skillet, leaving a bit of space between them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if you have multiple. Use more olive oil if needed, as this helps to get them nice and golden.
  9. Cool and Enjoy: Once they are golden and crispy transfer them to a cooling rack to cool slightly for a minute or two before eating. They're truly best enjoyed fresh and warm. But leftovers are still fantastic the next day too.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Bites

  • Vegan Option: Instead of the egg, you could use a "flax egg" (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes it becomes a gelatinous consistency, and add this instead of the egg).
  • Spice it Up!: Don't be afraid to play with the spices! A little bit of oregano or chili powder can add a wonderful twist.
  • Herb it Up!: If you are a fan of herbs, add 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs like fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil.
  • Cheese Please!: Mix in some finely grated dairy or non-dairy cheese into the mixture for a richer flavor.
  • Baking Option: Want a healthier version? Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking pan and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. But you might not get the same crispness as pan frying.
  • Serving Suggestions: These bites are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce too. I love serving them with a side salad for a light meal.
  • Meal Prep Magic: These bites keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days! Just reheat them in a skillet or the oven.

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Recipe Card for Easy Reference

Zesty Chickpea & Spinach Bites (Gluten-Free)

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10-15 minutes Yields: About 12-15 bites

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Mash chickpeas in a bowl. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Stir in egg.
  2. Mix in minced garlic, red onion, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Fold in gluten-free oats and the gluten-free flour, followed by spinach.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shape mixture into small patties.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  6. Cool slightly before serving.

Product Recommendations

If you're looking to streamline your cooking process, here are some things I've found useful when making these chickpea bites:

  • A good quality non-stick skillet makes cooking a breeze and prevents the bites from sticking. This one is always on my stovetop!
  • A handheld potato masher is perfect to quickly get the chickpeas to the right consistency. It's so much easier than using a fork!
  • A set of measuring cups and spoons makes making the recipe super accurate.
  • I really like using a microplane grater for garlic, it gets it so fine.

I hope you love these little bites as much as I do. They're easy, versatile, and so satisfying. Let me know in the comments if you try them out, and how you like them! Happy Snacking!

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