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Chickpea frittata muffins are my go to for meal prep and picnics since they hold together well and taste great warm or cold. This recipe brings together nourishing chickpea flour with colorful vegetables for a protein rich muffin that is perfect for breakfast lunch or a satisfying snack. I fell in love with these after searching for an allergy friendly lunch for my family and they quickly became a regular in our kitchen.
I discovered these when my son needed a lunchbox upgrade and now all of us look forward to them on busy days. They freeze beautifully so we always have a stash ready for last minute meals.
Ingredients
- Chickpea flour or garbanzo bean flour: provides a protein rich base and gives these muffins their hearty structure choose a fresh bag for best results
- Water: melds everything together and keeps the muffins moist
- Extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and helps the muffins stay tender use a good quality oil for the best flavor
- Nutritional yeast or grated parmesan: brings a cheesy depth and a pop of savory flavor try to source nutritional yeast from a health store for freshness
- Salt: seasons the batter and makes everything taste balanced
- Black pepper: lends gentle heat opt for freshly ground for the best aroma
- Baking powder: ensures lightness by helping the muffins puff up
- Curry powder or your favorite seasoning: adds warmth and subtle complexity turmeric or Italian herbs also work well
- Red onion: gives natural sweetness and texture slice very thin for even distribution
- Carrot: brings color sweetness and a boost of nutrients use a fresh, crisp carrot for great results
- Garlic: layers in a savory punch use fresh cloves for best flavor
- Frozen peas: provide pops of green and a hint of sweetness you can swap with your favorite vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower
- Salt: seasons the filling enhancing the vegetable flavors
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Gently heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced red onion grated carrot and grated garlic. Sauté for four minutes stirring frequently until the onion is slightly softened and everything is fragrant.
- Cook the Filling:
- Fold in frozen peas and add a splash of water with a touch of salt. Cook on medium heat for five to ten minutes until the peas are bright green and just tender making sure the liquid evaporates completely so the filling stays dry.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius. Line a twelve cup muffin tin with muffin liners or create makeshift liners from parchment paper cut into five inch squares to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Batter:
- Place chickpea flour water extra virgin olive oil nutritional yeast or parmesan salt black pepper baking powder and your chosen seasoning into a mixing bowl. Blend everything with an immersion blender until extremely smooth or use a stand blender for two minutes for a lump free creamy batter.
- Combine with Vegetables:
- Stir sautéed vegetables into the batter. Be certain that there is no leftover moisture in the veggies to keep the muffins fluffy and not soggy.
- Bake the Muffins:
- Evenly distribute the batter between the lined muffin cups. Bake in the center of the oven for twenty five to thirty minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes then transfer them to a wire rack. Give them a good twenty minute rest before eating to set their texture for the best eating experience.
The chickpea flour is my personal favorite part as it was a discovery from a friend in southern France. She grew up eating chickpea socca and now we bond over creative ways to use it in baking. I still remember the first time my kids devoured a batch of these muffins on a park picnic leaving nothing but crumbs behind.
Storage Tips
Cool the muffins completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Place in an airtight container in the fridge and they will keep fresh for up to five days. These muffins are also freezer friendly just thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat gently in the microwave for a quick grab and go meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out peas for whatever diced veggies you love or have on hand. Try spinach grated zucchini chopped bell peppers or steamed broccoli. If you are dairy free stick with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile that happens to be vegan. You can play with the spices too using Italian seasoning smoked paprika or just extra black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or cold with a crisp salad for lunch or stuff one into a pita with greens and a dollop of hummus. Pack them for school or work lunches or slice and top with avocado and extra black pepper for a fancy toast alternative.
Cultural Context
Chickpea flour known as gram flour or besan is classic in Italian French and Indian cuisines. This recipe takes inspiration from savory frittatas and Italian farinata giving you a modern twist that is portable and nourishing. I first tasted something similar on a Mediterranean trip and it opened a whole new world of chickpea based recipes for my family.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch in roasted squash or sweet potato cubes during the fall. Try fresh peas in spring or swap in juicy summer tomatoes for warmer months. Add chopped baby spinach or kale to sneak in more greens.
Helpful Tips
Let the muffins cool completely for the best texture. Do not skip the blending step for a smooth fluffy batter. Always squeeze excess water from veggies before adding to the mix.
Success Stories
My neighbor’s teen who had never liked eggs now asks for these muffins every time she visits. Another friend preps double batches for hiking trips and freezes them so fresh muffins are always ready in their trail snack stash. It is always a joy to see how easily people fall in love with these simple nourishing muffins.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To make these into a go to freezer meal bake an extra batch and let them cool fully. Pop into a zip top freezer bag label with the date and freeze. For quick meals just reheat a couple in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about ten minutes or microwave in twenty second bursts until hot.
Enjoy these muffins throughout the week for a no fuss breakfast or snack. Their versatility and convenience make them a family favorite every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute chickpea flour with another type?
Chickpea flour offers a unique texture and flavor; other bean flours may work but textures may vary.
- → Which vegetables work best for these muffins?
Try peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or seasonal favorites. Aim for bite-size, tender pieces for even baking.
- → How should I store leftover frittata muffins?
Allow muffins to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- → Can these be made in advance for meal prep?
Yes, they reheat well. Prepare ahead and warm in the oven or microwave before serving.
- → What are the best herbs and spices to use?
Curry powder, turmeric, Italian seasoning, and black pepper all complement the chickpea base nicely.