Golden Festive Stuffing Bites

Vegan Gluten-Free Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are packed with flavour and protein—perfect for a festive table!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas or lentils, mashed slightly

• 1 tbs flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbs water

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• 1 zucchini, grated (squeeze out excess moisture)

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional, for festive sweetness)

• 1/4 cup almond meal

• 2 tbs fresh or dried parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbs fresh or dried thyme leaves, chopped

• 1 tsp fresh or dried sage

• 1 tsp fresh or dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbs olive oil

• Extra olive oil or spray
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and zucchini until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpeas, sautéed vegetables, cranberries (if using), almond meal, herbs, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Add the flax egg and mix again until the mixture holds together when pressed. If too crumbly, add a little water or extra almond meal to adjust consistency.

5. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized stuffing balls and place them on the prepared tray.

6. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and firm.

7. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a snack with gravy or cranberry sauce.
   

Tips:

• Swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots or figs if desired.

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
  

These stuffing balls are festive, healthy, and perfect for everyone at the table! 🎄