Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles

User Reviews

5

63 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6 tacos

  • Calories

    172 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Vegan, gluten-free

Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles

Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles blend mashed chickpeas and ground walnuts with a homemade taco seasoning to create a textured filling. Baked until lightly crispy, this vegetarian alternative offers a balance of savory spices and a nutty base. Adjusting the pulsing time controls the crumble size and moisture, making it customizable for different dishes like tacos, burritos, or salads.

Description

This recipe mixes canned chickpeas and raw walnuts with a blend of classic taco spices including chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion and garlic powders, and smoked paprika. The mixture is pulsed in a food processor, with optional nutritional yeast for a cheesy note, then baked to develop a crisp exterior. The result is a crumbly filling that mimics ground meat's texture and can be used in various Mexican-inspired dishes.

The texture of the crumbles can be tailored by varying processing time and water content, ranging from fine and crispy to chunkier and moister. Serving suggestions include pairing with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole to add juiciness and creaminess. Leftovers can be refreshed by adding water before reheating to restore moisture lost in refrigeration.

Walnut saltiness should be considered when adjusting seasoning, especially if using pre-salted nuts. The recipe yields approximately 2 1/4 cups of crumbles, suitable for multiple servings.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 15 oz. chickpeas canned
  • 3/4 cup walnuts (I use raw, unsalted)
  • 3 Tbsp. taco seasoning (recipe below)
  • 1 Tbsp. water
  • nutritional yeast optional, for cheesy version, 2-3 Tbsp

For the Taco Seasoning:

  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin ground
  • 1 tsp. oregano dried
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. paprika (I like smoked paprika)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Make the taco seasoning: Add all seasoning ingredients to a small bowl or jar and stir to combine. Set aside.
  3. Rinse and drain chickpeas.
  4. In a food processor, add chickpeas, walnuts, taco seasoning, and 1 Tbsp. water. (Plus nutritional yeast if using.)
  5. Pulse a few times until small/medium crumbles are formed. Don't over-process to super-fine crumbles, unless that's what you desire. (See notes below on how to achieve various textures.)
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out crumbles.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes.
  8. Stir, then return to oven and bake for 10-12 more minutes. (Or to desired crispiness.)

Notes

  • Adjust pulse time and water to achieve desired crumble texture from fine and crispy to chunkier and moister.
  • If using salted walnuts, reduce or omit added salt in the taco seasoning.
  • Pair with fresh pico de gallo or guacamole to add moisture and creaminess.
  • To reheat leftovers, add a splash of water and microwave to help restore moisture.
  • Great for tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or Mexican salads.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 172kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 8g (47%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Potassium 234mg (5%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 943IU (19%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 57mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6tacos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 172 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 172kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g 47%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Potassium 234mg 5%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 943IU 19%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 57mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

63 reviews
Excellent

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