Are you tired of spending too much money on lunch at work? Do you want a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further! We’ve got the perfect solution for you: Starbucks-inspired chickpea bites meal prep. This amazing recipe will save you time, money, and keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
Why Chickpea Bites are the Perfect Meal Prep Option
Chickpea bites are a fantastic choice for meal prep. They’re packed with protein, easy to make, and taste great even after a few days in the fridge. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly and can be customized to suit your taste buds.
Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious chickpea bites and set up your meal prep containers just like the popular Starbucks protein boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these yummy chickpea bites, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | 1 can (rinsed and drained) |
| Egg | 1 |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Lime juice | From 1/2 lime |
| Toasted sesame oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garlic powder | To taste |
| Onion powder | To taste |
| Ground cumin | To taste |
| Cayenne pepper | A pinch |
| Black pepper | To taste |
How to Make Starbucks-Inspired Chickpea Bites
- Begin by heating your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
- In a food processor, combine listed ingredients until thoroughly mixed. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! You can mash everything together with a fork. It might take a bit longer, but the result will be just as tasty.
- Blend until the mixture forms a ball. This is your chickpea dough.
- Take about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands.
- For extra crunch, roll the ball in some extra panko breadcrumbs.
- Gently flatten the ball and then place it on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat this process until you’ve used all the mixture.
- Lightly spray the chickpea bites with cooking oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures they get crispy on both sides.
Creating the Perfect Meal Prep Container
While your chickpea bites are baking, let’s set up the rest of your meal prep container. To make it just like the Starbucks protein box, you’ll want to include:
- Avocado dip
- Trail mix
- Fresh veggies (like carrots and sugar snap peas)
How to Make Quick Avocado Dip
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Avocado | 1 |
| Lime juice | From 1/2 lime |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Onion powder | To taste |
| Garlic powder | To taste |
Mix all these ingredients together in a bowl. It’s that simple!
Assembling Your Meal Prep Containers
Now that your chickpea bites are done and your avocado dip is ready, it’s time to put everything together. Here’s how:
- Choose meal prep containers with separate compartments. This keeps your food fresh and prevents flavours from mixing.
- In one compartment, place 4-5 chickpea bites.
- In another, add a small container of avocado dip.
- Fill a third compartment with your trail mix.
- In the last section, add your fresh veggies like carrots and sugar snap peas.
And there you have it! A perfect, Starbucks-inspired protein box that you made yourself.
Why This Meal Prep Works So Well
Photo Credit: freepik
This chickpea bites meal prep is great for several reasons:
- It’s protein-packed, keeping you full for longer.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly.
- It’s easy to make in big batches.
- The ingredients are affordable.
- It stays fresh in the fridge for several days.
- It’s a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and veggies.
Tips for Perfect Chickpea Bites Every Time
To make sure your chickpea bites turn out amazing every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix the chickpea dough. You want some texture.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour.
- If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
- Make sure to flip the bites halfway through baking for even crispiness.
- Let them cool before putting them in your meal prep containers. This keeps them crispy.
Customizing Your Meal Prep
Feel free to switch things up! You could try different spices in your chickpea bites, swap the avocado dip for hummus, or change the veggies based on what’s in season. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Meal Prep
With this Starbucks-inspired chickpea bites meal prep, you’ll never have to worry about lunch again. It’s easy, delicious, and keeps you full and focused all day long. Plus, you’ll save money by not buying lunch out every day.
Why not give it a try this weekend? Spend a little time meal prepping, and enjoy stress-free lunches all week long. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will appreciate it!
Ready to start your meal prep journey? Grab those chickpeas and get cooking! Your future self will be so grateful for the delicious, healthy lunches waiting in the fridge.
FAQs
How long do these chickpea bites last in the fridge?
When kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these chickpea bites can stay fresh for 4-5 days.
Can I freeze the chickpea bites?
Certainly! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat them in the oven.
Is this meal prep vegetarian?
Yes, this meal prep is vegetarian-friendly. It’s packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas.
Can I make these chickpea bites without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can certainly mash the ingredients with a fork. While it may take a bit longer, it is just as effective.
How many calories are in one serving of this meal prep?
The exact calorie count may vary. But it’s generally around 400-500 calories per container.
May I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, canned chickpeas work great. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well.
What can I use instead of avocado dip?
Hummus or tzatziki are great alternatives if you don’t like avocado.
Are these chickpea bites gluten-free?
Not as written. But you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Can I add different vegetables to the meal prep?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favourite veggies. Bell peppers or cucumber slices work well, too.
How spicy are these chickpea bites?
They have a subtle spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make them more or less spicy according to your preference.
Photo Credit: freepik
