Chickpea Fritters are a delightful snack that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. I first discovered these golden little bites at a street food market, where the rich scent of frying chickpeas filled the air. The crispy texture and savory flavor of these fritters immediately caught my attention. As I took my first bite, I couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious they were. It was then that I decided to recreate my own version of these Chickpea Fritters at home.
Perfect for Every Meal
The beauty of Chickpea Fritters lies in how versatile they are. You can enjoy them on their own as a snack or serve them alongside a salad for a more filling meal. The combination of chickpeas, herbs, and spices creates a flavor-packed fritter that’s sure to satisfy. You can even dip them in a creamy sauce or chutney for extra flavor. Whether it’s a quick lunch or an appetizer at a dinner party, Chickpea Fritters are always the perfect choice.
A Healthy Twist
What I love about Chickpea Fritters is how healthy they can be. Chickpeas, the main ingredient, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. By using chickpeas as a base, these fritters are not only tasty but also nourishing. They’re also easy to make gluten-free if you prefer, simply by substituting the flour. This makes them a great option for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking for a healthier snack option.
Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside
The key to perfect Chickpea Fritters is getting that ideal crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. Once you fry them, you’ll see the golden brown crust forming, and you’ll know they’re just about ready. As you take a bite, the crunch gives way to the soft interior, and the flavors of cumin, garlic, and fresh herbs blend together beautifully. These Chickpea Fritters are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Chickpea Fritters
- Use drained chickpeas: For best results, use canned chickpeas that are well-drained. Alternatively, you can cook dried chickpeas, but make sure they’re fully cooked and tender.
- Pulse, don’t puree: When processing the chickpeas, pulse them instead of blending into a smooth paste. You want texture in the fritters, not a hummus-like consistency.
- Chill the mixture: Once the fritter mixture is prepared, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the fritters hold their shape better while frying.
- Season well: Don’t skimp on seasonings! Chickpeas have a mild flavor, so generous use of spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, along with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, really makes a difference.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: When frying the fritters, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows them to crisp up evenly and prevents them from steaming.
- Test the oil temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of the fritter mixture into it. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. If it doesn’t, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Baking alternative: For a healthier version, you can bake the fritters at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flip halfway through for an evenly crispy result.
Chickpea Fritters
Dive into the delightful world of Chickpea Fritters! These vegan wonders are not only quick and straightforward but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a healthy meal or a tasty snack, their crispy exterior and savory interior will have you craving more. Whether baked or air-fried, these patties are customizable to fit your lifestyle. Get ready to impress with a plant-based dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
4
patties25
minutes30
minutes146
kcal55
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Spices Seasonings:
1 teaspoon italian herbs blend
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
quinoa
- Vegetables:
½ cup finely diced onion
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Binders Flours:
¼ cup chickpea-based flour
- Liquids:
⅔ cup water
- Alternative Ingredients:
Quinoa: Substitute with brown rice or millet.
Chickpeas: Use black beans or lentils.
Chickpea Flour: Replace with oat flour or almond flour.
Parsley: Swap with cilantro or basil for different flavors.
Italian Seasoning: Use herbes de Provence or a mix of dried oregano and thyme.
Directions
- Prepare Quinoa: Combine garbanzo beans and ⅔ cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer for 15 minutes . Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash chickpea with a fork until smooth. Gradually add , mixing with hands until the mixture holds together. If too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of chickpea flour.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal sections. Shape each section into a firm, flat patty and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Patties: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the patties start to brown and firm up. Flip each patty and bake for an additional 10 minutes until fully cooked and crispy.
Equipment
- stainless steel cookware set
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- colander
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture. These patties pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or in a whole-grain bun for a hearty sandwich. To enhance flavor, you can incorporate minced garlic or a dash of smoked paprika. If preparing in advance, freeze the formed patties before baking and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 146kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 469mg
- Potassium: 282mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Vitamin A: 193IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 48mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Chickpea Fritters
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the recipe.
What can I substitute for chickpeas if I have a food allergy?
You can substitute chickpeas with cooked lentils, black beans, or even mashed cauliflower for a lighter version.
How do I make these fritters gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour or chickpea flour. You can also replace breadcrumbs with ground oats or almond flour.
Can I freeze chickpea fritters?
Yes! Once cooked, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
What’s the best way to serve these fritters?
Chickpea fritters are delicious on their own or served with a dipping sauce like tahini, yogurt, or a spicy harissa. They’re also great in wraps or salads.
