Wholesome, protein-rich, and packed with veggies and spices — a delicious plant-based option for any meal!

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📝 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas (or substitute with lentils, chickpeas, or other beans)

• ½ cup finely chopped red onion

• ½ cup chopped mushrooms

• ½ cup chopped spring onions (green onions)

• ½ cup mixed chopped bell peppers

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt, to taste

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

• ½ cup oats, blended into flour

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water (flax egg)

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra firmness or texture)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Flax Egg:
In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 5 tbsp water. Let sit for 10–15 minutes until gel-like.

2. Mash the Beans:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked black-eyed peas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but with some texture.

3. Add the Veggies & Spices:
To the mashed beans, add red onion, mushrooms, spring onions, bell peppers, and all the spices (garlic powder, paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt). Mix well.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the soy sauce and flax egg. Combine thoroughly.

5. Add Dry Binders:
Add the oat flour and breadcrumbs (if using). Mix until the mixture holds together when squeezed. If too wet, add more oat flour or breadcrumbs 1 tbsp at a time.

6. Shape the Balls:
With clean hands, form the mixture into small balls (about 1½ inches wide). You should get around 16–20 balls.

7. Cook the Veggie Balls:

Option A – Oven-Baked:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Place balls on a parchment-lined baking tray.

• Lightly spray or brush with oil.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and firm.

Option B – Pan-Fried:

• Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

• Fry balls in batches, turning to brown all sides evenly, about 8–10 minutes total.

Option C – Air Fryer:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas:

• Serve with marinara or tahini sauce

• Add to grain bowls or wraps

• Toss into pasta dishes

• Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauce