The baked or air fried chickpea and Swiss chard balls are a simple, light, and truly tasty second course, perfect for using steamed Swiss chard or pan-cooked Swiss chard in a different recipe. They combine the sweetness of chickpeas with the freshness of Swiss chard, creating a soft, fragrant, and very versatile dough, ideal for those who love vegetarian cooking or simply seek a healthy and flavorful dish.
They are perfect to serve at dinner with a vegetable side dish or a salad, but also to take to work, include in a savory buffet, or enjoy as a delightful finger food. Baking ensures even browning without weighing down the dish, while the air fryer allows for an irresistible crust in just a few minutes, with very little oil.
These balls originated as a leftover recipe but immediately captivate with their soft inside and slightly crunchy outside. Moreover, they are prepared in a few minutes, as you just need to blend the chickpeas, add the already cooked Swiss chard, form the balls, and cook them. They are also perfect for those following a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 10 balls of about 1.8 oz each
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients for the Baked or Air Fried Chickpea and Swiss Chard Balls:
- 1 2/3 cups cooked and well-drained chickpeas
- 7 oz pan-cooked Swiss chard (or steamed)
- 1 small egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- to taste minced garlic (or powder)
- to taste black pepper
- to taste fine salt
- to taste breadcrumbs
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
Tools for the Baked or Air Fried Chickpea and Swiss Chard Balls:
- 1 Oven De Longhi
- 1 Baking Tray
- 2 Bowls
- 1 Fork
- 1 Spoon
Steps for Preparing and Cooking the Baked or Air Fried Chickpea and Swiss Chard Balls:
Take the already cooked Swiss chard, either steamed or pan-cooked, and chop it with a knife into small pieces but not into a paste. Set them aside in a bowl.
In another bowl, pour the cooked and well-drained chickpeas and mash them into small pieces with a fork. Combine the mashed chickpeas with the chard and mix well.
At this point, add the small egg, grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of garlic, pepper to taste, and a pinch of salt. Also incorporate three tablespoons of breadcrumbs and mix with a fork. If the mixture still seems too soft, add a fourth tablespoon of breadcrumbs: it should be moldable, soft but not sticky.When the mixture is ready, take a small portion and form the balls with your hands, making about ten of them, about 1.8 oz each. Quickly roll them in breadcrumbs to give a light coating that will turn golden and crispy when cooked.
OVEN COOKING:
Place the balls on a non-stick baking tray, spray them with some extra virgin olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 392°F for about 18 minutes, until you get a nice browning.
AIR FRYER COOKING:
Place perforated parchment paper on the air fryer rack, place the balls on it, and spray some EVO oil, cook at 374°F for about 12 minutes, turning them midway.
Serve the warm balls with cooked or raw vegetables, also great with yogurt sauces or light hummus, mayonnaise, or ketchup.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What other legumes can I use instead of chickpeas
You can replace chickpeas with cannellini beans, borlotti beans, cooked lentils, or peas. The important thing is that they are well-drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too soft.
What other vegetables go well with this recipe
Besides Swiss chard, you can use spinach, chard, grated and squeezed zucchini, cooked and chopped broccoli, or steamed cauliflower. All work very well in the same mixture.
Can I freeze the balls
Yes, you can freeze them raw already formed or after they are cooked.
Do the balls need to be thawed before cooking
No, if you freeze them raw, you can cook them directly from frozen. You just need to increase the cooking time by 3 or 4 minutes either in the oven or in the air fryer. If you freeze them already cooked, you can heat them directly without thawing, using an oven, air fryer, or skillet.
How can I cook the balls in a skillet
You can cook them in a skillet with a drizzle of oil. Heat a non-stick skillet, add the balls, and let them brown over medium-low heat for 6 or 7 minutes, turning them often to obtain even browning. They remain slightly softer compared to the oven and air fryer.
