CHICKPEA & VEGGIE "CHEESE" BITES

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  3. CHICKPEA & VEGGIE "CHEESE" BITES

🍪 CHICKPEA & VEGGIE "CHEESE" BITES

High-protein, Halal-friendly finger food that uses nutritional yeast for a savory "cheesy" punch.

📱 OVERVIEW

  • Total Time: 30 Minutes

  • Servings: 12 Mini Bites

  • Storage: Freeze for up to 1 month.

🛒 THE INGREDIENTS

  • 🥣 Chickpea Flour (Besan) 1.5 cups

  • 💧 Warm Water 1 cup

  • 🥒 Zucchini 1/2 cup (finely grated and squeezed dry in a towel)

  • 🧀 Nutritional Yeast 2 tablespoons (Halal certified)

  • 🧄 Garlic Powder 1/2 teaspoon (no added salt)

  • 🏺 Olive Oil 1 tablespoon

👨‍🍳 THE METHOD

  1. 🔥 Preheat: Turn your oven to 180°C.

  2. 🥑 Prep: Grease a mini-muffin tin with a tiny bit of olive oil or coconut oil.

  3. 🥣 Batter: In a bowl, whisk the Chickpea Flour, Nutritional Yeast, and Garlic Powder. Slowly pour in the Water until a smooth batter forms.

  4. 🥒 Integrate: Fold in the squeezed Zucchini and Olive Oil.

  5. 🥄 Fill: Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each hole about 3/4 full.

  6. ⏲️ Bake: Bake for 18–20 Minutes. The tops should be firm but not crunchy.

  7. 🛑 Rest: Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. This helps the chickpea protein "set" so they don't crumble.

🛡️ PEDIATRIC SAFETY FIRST

  • 💨 Steamy Reheat: To avoid a "rubbery" texture that can cause choking, always reheat these items with a splash of water and a lid on the pan (or a steamer basket). This keeps the fibers hydrated and soft.

  • 🥜 Nut Allergy Note: If your toddler has a nut sensitivity, replace the Almond Flour in the pancakes with Sunflower Seed Flour or Millet Flour.

  • 🌈 Visual Appeal: For picky eaters, serve the Savory Bites with a side of bright beet hummus or mashed avocado for "dipping."