The idea for these balls floated around in my head for a couple of days before I got around to making them. My cooking inspiration hasn't returned yet. Even walking around the South Melbourne market on Wednesday didn't help. Sadly, it was my last weekday wander around the market for the foreseeable future.
It's my last week at my current job (tomorrow is my last day!) and next Thursday Alastair and I go on holiday. My head is full of finishing up, and sorting things out for going away and my routine is all shot. I suppose it's hardly surprising that cooking has been neglected.
I've no doubt that inspiration to cook will return when we get back. I do have several meals that I haven't blogged about yet. I'm finding it difficult to think of something interesting to say about them, but perhaps I'll just whack them up with minimal commentary.
My chickpea and ricotta balls ended up rather soft, which is why they look more like lumps than balls. I could've added some fresh breadcrumbs to stiffen the mixture but couldn't be bothered. My Bro made a simple green salad of lettuce, cabbage and cucumber, which worked perfectly with them. The crunchy salad provided a great textural contrast to the balls.
Chickpea and ricotta balls
Makes 12
1 small onion, peeled
400g can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
200g ricotta
1 egg
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (less if you prefer less spiciness)
Salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Pepper
Dried breadcrumbs
In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely diced. Add the chickpeas and pulse until mashed.
Tip into a bowl and add the ricotta, mashing it into the mixture.
Add the egg, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper. Mix well.
Roll into balls, then dip the balls in the breadcrumbs until covered.
Fry over medium heat, turning them every couple of minutes, until warmed through.
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