Vegan Nuggets
Vegan Nuggets
These plant-based vegan nuggets are a deliciously healthy alternative to traditional nuggets!
Note: this blog post contains affiliate links
When I decided to stop eating meat back in 2017, one of the things I knew I would miss the most was fried chicken. I don’t crave it at all now, but in the early stages of my vegetarian lifestyle I was definitely missing them. Well, I’m here to tell you that vegan chicken nuggets are a delicious, tasty alternative to traditional nuggets!
These vegan nuggets are plant based, healthy, and tasty. I know you’re already wondering what these vegan nuggets are made of, and you can certainly skip down and find the full recipe for these meatless nuggets below, but I also want you to know that these vegan nuggets are made of wholesome, healthy, plant-based ingredients. The base for these healthy nuggets is a mix of chickpeas and roasted vegetables. That’s certainly better for you than the frozen veggie nugget alternatives that are on the market.
What are these vegan nuggets made of?
The base for these healthy homemade nuggets is a mix of chickpeas and roasted vegetables. That’s certainly better for you than the frozen veggie nugget alternatives that are on the market. Here’s a quick look at the ingredients for two popular frozen veggie nugget brands: Quorn Meatless Nuggets and Morningstar Veggie Chik’n Nuggets.
Quorn Meatless Nuggets ingredients: Wheat Flour , Mycoprotein (34%), Water, Egg White, Wheat Starch, Canola Oil, Contains 2% Or Less Of Milk Proteins, Sugar, Textured Wheat Protein (Wheat Protein, Wheat Flour), Sage, Potato Dextrin, Onion Powder, Yeast Extract, Guar Gum, Wheat Gluten, Pectin, Salt, Calcium Chloride, Modified Corn Starch, Calcium Acetate, Pea Fiber, Yeast, Dextrose, Pepper, Turbinado Sugar.
Contains: Egg, Milk & Wheat.
Morningstar Veggie Chik’n Nuggets Ingredients: Water, wheat flour, soy protein concentrate, vegetable oil (corn, canola and/or sunflower), soy protein isolate. Contains 2% or less of wheat gluten, yellow corn flour, methylcellulose, potato starch, cornstarch, yeast extract, sugar, salt, natural flavors, wheat starch, dextrose, spices, onion powder, potassium chloride, yeast, glutamic acid, paprika (color), leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate), garlic powder, citric acid, xanthan gum, barley malt extract.
As you can see, the Quorn Meatless Nuggets are not vegan while the Morningstar Veggie Chik’n Nuggets are vegan. I’ve never tasted either of them, and they both may taste great, but still I prefer to make my own food at home with ingredients that I know!
What are the ingredients for these easy veggie nuggets?
The full ingredients for these vegan chick’n nuggets are below, but basically you will need:
Chickpeas
Roasted Veggies (zucchini, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms)
Flour
Spices
How do you cook these vegetarian nuggets?
These homemade vegan nuggets are pan-fried in a skillet. You could possibly bake these nuggets too, but they won’t be as crispy! I have not tried deep frying them.
Do I need any special equipment to make these vegan nuggets?
You will need a food processor or a blender to make these nuggets. Here is a link to the one I use.
Vegan Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1/2 c onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium carrot
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 4 oz mushrooms, chopped
- 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxmeal + 3 tbsp water)
- 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 c olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
- Spread the veggies (not the chickpeas) on the baking sheet and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roast in the oven for about 35 minutes, tossing halfway through. Keep an eye on the veggies to make sure they do not burn. Cool for a few minutes.
- Place the roasted veggies and chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor. Add the flax egg, flour, and seasonings. Pulse a few times until the mixture forms a dough - do not overmix!
- Scoop out the dough by the heaping tablespoon, flatten each piece until it’s about 1/2” thick. The dough will be sticky, so it helps if you wet your hands.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the nuggets, and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown on each side. Press them down a little when you flip them over.
- Place on paper towels to drain. Enjoy with your favorite condiment!
Notes
Adapted From: The Natural Nurterer
I started salt n sprinkles to show that making good food is both fun and easy to do. My recipes are mostly plant-based, and always delicious. I know you'll find just what you're looking for!