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
I’m skeptical about pulsing it into balls—mine fell apart. Still tasted good, but presentation was sad lol.
Oh no 😅 Mine did that once too—what helped me was letting the roasted aubergine cool a bit and then pulsing *less*, so it’s a chunkier mix. Also I gently press the balls so they’re packed tight. Still yummy either way though!
Hmm tasted better than I thought it would. Who knew! 🤔
I dunno, I wasn’t too impressed. The flavor was kinda bland. Maybe I did something wrong?
Yummm! Perfect for my vegan diet! I added some chili flakes for a kick. Highly recommend!
Not sure about those chickpeas, I mean, they’re okay but not everyone likes them. Anyone else struggle with that?
Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try the chili flakes addition. Thanks for sharing!
These bites are AMAZING! I made them for a party and everyone loved them. 5 stars for sure!
I was a little skeptical at first but wow, these bites are amazing! Will definitely make again.
Easy to follow, but my food processor couldn’t handle the thickness.
Sounds like you might have a weak processor. Mine handled it just fine!
I had the same issue! I ended up using a potato masher instead. It worked better for me!
Why do people like this stuff? Tastes weird to me.
I totally get it, they can be an acquired taste. Not everyone likes aubergine, I guess.
I love them! The flavors are unique and delicious. You might just need to give them another try!
Aubergine? Never heard about that before. Can you use something else? Like potato?
Very nice! But next time I will add more garlic, I love it garlicky! 🍽️