Step 1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Step 2

In a small bowl, stir together the ground flax and 8 tablespoons water. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the chickpeas.

Step 3

In a food processor with the "S" blade, add the chickpeas and pulse until there are almost no whole beans left. If you do not have a food processor, you can mash them by hand with a potato masher. Add the processed chickpeas to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

Now add the flax/water mixture, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning and salt to the bowl. Stir with a large wooden spoon until well combined. The mixture will be very thick; sometimes I even use my hands to make sure everything is incorporated well.

Step 5

Roll into balls (about a heaping tablespoon each) and place on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.

Step 6

Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Step 7

While the meatballs are baking, prepare spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Warm the marinara sauce in a large pan, big enough to add the vegan meatballs to.

Step 8

When the meatballs are done cooking, carefully place them in the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat, but be careful not to break them as they aren't as firm as regular meatballs.

Step 9

Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles with optional vegan parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!