Harissa Spiced Chickpeas

Harissa Spiced Chickpeas recipe

When I come home late from work after a hard day, I try to make something quick and satisfying. This usually translates into something simple like pasta. But I am also trying to limit my pasta intake and making leaner choices.

This one has quickly become one of my go to recipes as of late. It is so easy to make and the flavours are so different from what I typically make - which just makes me crave more!

Harissa Chickpeas and Meatballs

Before trying the Knorr Harissa spice mix, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it is a delicious blend of earthy spices, with a bit of a kick to it! I'll be honest, my pepper tolerance isn't very high, (I usually don't order anything over medium spice level!) so if you do want more of a kick to it, feel free to add chili flakes or more hot sauce!

I love this recipe even more because you can easily omit the meatballs if you are vegetarian or making this as a "meatless Monday" meal. Because of the chickpeas, the protein levels are already really high in this recipe. It's also perfect for those post-workout meals when you are looking for an extra dose of protein!

easy dinner - harissa chickpeas and meatballs

To make this healthier, I personally like to serve this recipe over brown rice for dinners, but you can easily swap the brown rice for white rice, couscous or even quinoa .

I personally love this recipe because it’s full of protein and has tons of flavour! You can also take leftovers into work as part of a bowl - just add some vegetables and you're ready to go!

protein packed easy dinners
      Harissa Spiced Chickpeas and Meatballs  

Makes: 4 servings

Preptime:

Cook time:

 

Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and washed
  • 2 tbsp Knorr  Harissa seasoning (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 250 ml (2 cups)  beef broth or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp worcester sauce
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
    •   
     

    Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, worcester sauce, 1 tsp Knorr Harissa seasoning, onions, garlic, salt, pepper  and Italian seasoning together. Mix well and form 1 inch diameter balls
    2. In a skillet with 1 tbsp of oil, and place onmedium-high heat
    3. Once hot, place meatballs in the skillet, browning on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Set aside. 
    4. In the same skillet add chicken or vegetable stock, tomato paste. Simmer for approximately 8 minutes or until it reduces to about half. 
    5. add 1 tsp Knorr Harissa seasoning and stir well. 
    6. add 1 can of drained and washed chickpeas to the sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
    Harissa spiced chickpeas
    harissa spiced chickpeas and meatballs