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Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos with Spicy Vegan Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

These baked or air-fried vegan taquitos are a crispy, flavorful snack or meal option packed with seasoned chickpeas, sautéed vegetables, and spices. Perfectly spiced and topped with a creamy vegan cheese sauce, they can be made gluten-free using appropriate tortillas. Ready in just 35 minutes, they offer a delicious plant-based alternative that’s both comforting and invigorating.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10 taquitos

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

Filling & Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (passata)
  • 3 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
  • 2 tbsp plant-based milk
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Chili powder, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for brushing)
  • 10 small flour tortillas (about 14 cm in diameter; gluten-free if needed)
  • Vegan cheese sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Mash Chickpeas: Using a fork, roughly mash the cooked chickpeas in a bowl until they are broken down but still have some texture.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Then add the minced garlic and the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, coconut sugar, and stir well to combine. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Combine Filling Ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, hot sauce, plant-based milk, balsamic vinegar, and mashed chickpeas to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer on low for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chickpea mixture and add additional chili powder, salt, or pepper as desired to achieve your preferred spice level.
  5. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  6. Assemble Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chickpea filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them close but not touching.
  7. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the rolled taquitos with a little vegetable oil. This step will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  9. Serve: Optional: drizzle with vegan cheese sauce or top with your favorite vegan cheese before baking for a melty finish. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

  • For an air-fryer version, arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
  • Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • The recipe is naturally vegan and can be made spicier or milder by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and chili powder.
  • Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a taco or burrito filling.
  • Brush with oil before baking or air frying for the crispiest results.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/baked-or-air-fried-chickpea-taquitos-with-spicy-vegan-sauce-recipe/