Satisfy your hunger and boost your protein intake with these irresistible High Protein Crispy Fried Balls, a delicious twist on classic comfort food thatβs packed with flavor and nutrition! Made with chickpeas, protein-rich quinoa, freshly chopped parsley, and a touch of smoked paprika, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with mouthwatering spices for a crispy, golden brown snack or appetizer. The addition of parmesan cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs lends a satisfying texture, while an aromatic blend of onion and garlic ensures every bite is bursting with savory goodness. Perfect for meal prep or party platters, these fried balls are easy to make and pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether youβre looking for a filling vegetarian option or a crispy treat with high protein content, these fried balls are sure to impress. Ready in just under an hour, theyβre ideal for busy weekdays or as a nutritious crowd-pleaser at gatherings!
Rinse the quinoa under cold water and cook it according to the package instructions. Set aside to cool.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, cooked quinoa, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs. The mixture should be able to hold its shape when formed into a ball. If it's too wet, add more breadcrumbs, a tablespoon at a time.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully place the balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy fried balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are!
Calories |
6372 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 573.1 g | 735% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.7 g | 444% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 270 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 4748 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 241.6 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.5 g | 159% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.0 g | ||
| Protein | 91.4 g | 183% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 963 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 23.7 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 2098 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.