You can create the most delicious plant-based “meatballs” ever with this delicious recipe for Greek Black Eyed Peas Vegan Meatballs. All you need to do is mix up pulses (beans, lentils, peas), grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonings, then shape into balls, and bake until they are golden and delicious.
The best vegan meatballs
The inspiration for these vegan meatballs is in the Greek culinary tradition of keftedes—meatballs often served with French fries and a salad or as part of a meze (appetizer) platter. I skipped the meat and replaced it with hearty black-eyed peas (I had the most amazing black-eyed pea dish in Greece years ago which helped inspired this recipe!), along with nut meal, flax seeds, and red onions. The tastes of the Mediterranean are highlighted in this dish with dates, sun-dried tomatoes, and Greek herbs. These Greek vegan meatballs are paired with a bright lemony tahini dip.
What are black eyed peas?
Black eyed peas recipes are rich in protein and fiber, making them an excellent protein alternative. Plus, the flax seeds and nut meal (also called nut flour) provide an extra dose of fiber and protein, along with healthy fats. This is the perfect way to do Meatless Monday, or fit in more plant-based meals during the week. You can even use these vegan meatballs in sauces over pasta or with a rich mushroom gravy.
How to eat vegan meatballs
Serve these Greek Black Eyed Peas Vegan Meatballs at your holiday table or party for a meatless alternative, or for a simple, rustic meal served with roasted potato wedges and a crisp salad. The veggie meatballs are also excellent heated up over the next few days. You can even make a big batch and freeze extras for easy meals on busy nights.
Step-By-Step Guide:
Watch me make this recipe on my Instagram video here.
Follow along with me as I make this recipe for Chef AJ’s live cooking show in my own kitchen here.
These savory little Greek Black Eyed Peas Vegan Meatballs are filled with the Mediterranean flavors of black-eyed peas, herbs, dates, and sun-dried tomatoes—served with a tangy Tahini Lemon Sauce.
In the container of a food processor, place red onion, garlic, dates, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, fennel seeds, oregano, black pepper, and salt (optional). Process until finely chopped.
Add flax seeds, breadcrumbs, nut flour, and lemon juice to food processor, and process until combined.
Add black-eyed peas to food processor, and process just until the peas are mashed, but not pureed. May need to pause and scrape down sides.
Remove mixture from food processor and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make Tahini Lemon Sauce by whisking together tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper. Add enough water to make a smooth sauce, according to your desired texture. (A thicker sauce is preferable served on the side with appetizer vegan meatballs, while a thinner sauce is preferable served on top of an entrée serving of vegan meatballs.) Sprinkle with smoked paprika.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Roll into about 40 small balls (about 1 1/2-inches to 2-inches in diameter) with your hands, and place on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Place on top rack of the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, until vegan balls are cooked through and golden brown on surface.
If one doesn’t have a food processor, can this recipe be made alternately? Only have a small food processor (2 cup capacity) over here… thank you in advance!
Yes, this is a good question. You can chop the onions, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, and dates finely with your small food processor or even by hand, and then mash the black-eyed peas with a fork or masher, and mix everything together. The main thing is that all ingredients have to be very finely chopped and peas have to mashed.
Thanks for pointing this out, that was a typo on the recipe. The flax seeds get mixed in with the breadcrumbs and other dry ingredients. I edited the recipe, so I really appreciate your letting me know about it!
[…] Greek Veggie Balls with Lemon Tahini Sauce by Sharon Palmer of The Plant Powered Dietitian. These vegetarian meatballs use black-eyed peas in place of meat, paired with Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, dates and herbs. […]
[…] Get the recipe here […]
If one doesn’t have a food processor, can this recipe be made alternately? Only have a small food processor (2 cup capacity) over here… thank you in advance!
Yes, this is a good question. You can chop the onions, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, and dates finely with your small food processor or even by hand, and then mash the black-eyed peas with a fork or masher, and mix everything together. The main thing is that all ingredients have to be very finely chopped and peas have to mashed.
The recipe doesn’t say where to put the flaxseeds. Flaxseeds are listed in ingredients, but not mentioned in recipe. ??
Thanks for pointing this out, that was a typo on the recipe. The flax seeds get mixed in with the breadcrumbs and other dry ingredients. I edited the recipe, so I really appreciate your letting me know about it!
[…] Greek veggie balls by Sharon Palmer are similar to meat balls…without the meat! These tantalizing little bites […]
Keep on writing, great job!
[…] Greek Veggie Balls with Lemon Tahini Sauce by Sharon Palmer of The Plant Powered Dietitian. These vegetarian meatballs use black-eyed peas in place of meat, paired with Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, dates and herbs. […]