Aubergine & Chickpea Bites are a flavorful and satisfying snack or appetizer that combine the earthy taste of aubergine (eggplant) with the protein-packed goodness of chickpeas. These bite-sized treats are perfect for serving at parties, adding to a lunchbox, or enjoying as a light meal. With a combination of spices, herbs, and a crispy coating, these bites are sure to please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
To make Aubergine & Chickpea Bites, start by roasting or grilling the aubergine until it’s tender and slightly charred. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the aubergine, creating a rich, savory flavor. Next, mash the chickpeas with a fork or in a food processor, leaving some texture for added bite. Combine the mashed chickpeas and aubergine with ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and coriander to enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added for a burst of freshness.
To bind the mixture together, you can use a little flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version) and egg, which helps form the dough and keep everything together. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into small balls or patties. You can then pan-fry or bake the bites until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender inside.
These Aubergine & Chickpea Bites are incredibly versatile. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like tahini, yogurt, or a spicy harissa sauce. They also pair well with fresh salads or can be used as a filling for pita bread for a delicious sandwich. If you want to make them even more flavorful, try adding a touch of chili flakes for a bit of heat or a spoonful of tomato paste for a richer flavor.
These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them an excellent option for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, Aubergine & Chickpea Bites offer a healthy and delicious option that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 aubergine large, diced
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a bowl, toss the diced aubergine with olive oil, cumin, and a little salt and pepper.
- Spread the aubergine on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes or until soft.
- In a food processor, combine roasted aubergine, chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and additional salt and pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until combined but still slightly chunky.
- Shape mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack.
Nutrition
These bites are AMAZING! I made them for a party and everyone loved them. 5 stars for sure!
Very nice! But next time I will add more garlic, I love it garlicky! 🍽️
These are amazing! I made them for my friends and everyone loved them. Will definitely make again!
Easy to make but could use a bit more flavor. Next time, I might add some chili flakes or maybe even cheese.
I totally agree! A little cheese would make it so much better. Or maybe some hot sauce too! Yum!
I made them for my kids, and they actually ate them! Miracle! 😄
Good, but why can’t they just be called eggplant bites? Why all this fancy language?
Hmm, I don’t know. The texture was off for me, and I think too much cumin was used. I’ll stick to my old recipe.
I used less olive oil and they turned out dry. Don’t skimp on the oil! Also, can we add cheese next time?
Definitely agree about the olive oil! It’s so important for moisture. And yes, cheese would be a tasty addition!
How many calories in these? I’m on a diet and need to know!
Yum! I dyall love this recipe 🙂 I added some chili flakes for an extra kick. Will do again!
Not my thing. I don’t even like chickpeas. 1 star.
I don’t know… Something feels off about mixing chickpeas with aubergine. Won’t try it.
I was skeptical about aubergine, but this recipe changed my mind! So good!
I don’t know, aubergine still sounds weird to me. How can you make it into bites? 🤔
It’s amazing how aubergine can taste so good when cooked right! Glad you enjoyed it!
Omg I can’t cook at all, but this was pretty simple! My kids even liked them, shocker!
Meh, they were ok but not what I expected. Maybe it’s the cumin? Not a fan of that spice.
Cumin is amazing! You just might not like the flavor combo. Try adding more lemon or garlic!
I get that! Cumin can be pretty strong. Maybe try it without and see if you like it better?
Simple ingredients but REALLY flavorful! My kids even ate them, and that’s saying something!
That’s amazing! Kids can be so picky, so it’s great they loved it! How did you serve them?
I don’t know, seems kinda bland with just those ingredients. Where’s the spice?
Aubergine? Isn’t that eggplant? What’s wrong with using eggplant???
Yum! Great for a party. Got lots of compliments!
Glad you liked it! These bites are a hit at every gathering I’ve been to.
This is way to complicated! Whose gonna use a food processor? Just use a fork!
I get what you mean, but sometimes food processors make things easier, you know? Plus, you can still mash it with a fork if you want!
These are amazing! I made them for a party and they disappeared in minutes! Definitely a 5-star dish.