Vegan Baked Veggie Balls.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli), finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the mixed vegetables. If using a food processor, pulse until the vegetables are finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat (optional). Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mash the Chickpeas: In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or a potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked vegetables, rolled oats, nutritional yeast, ground flaxseed, soy sauce or tamari, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth.
6. Form the Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the veggie balls are golden brown and firm to the touch. Flip them halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy them as is, with your favorite dipping sauce, in a sandwich, or over pasta with marinara sauce.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to customize the veggie balls with your favorite vegetables or add some spices to suit your taste.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: These veggie balls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through.