Hello, lovely friends! Do you ever crave a meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? I’m so excited to share this recipe for Ultimate Lemon Chickpea Patties with you. These golden beauties are not just easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun snack. Plus, they come with a refreshing yogurt sauce that complements the lemony goodness. Ready to dive into some deliciousness? Let’s cook together!
Nutritional Benefits of Chickpea Patties
These chickpea patties are not only tasty—they’re packed with nourishment! Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer. The quinoa or rice provides extra goodness, adding essential amino acids for muscle health. Plus, with all the fresh herbs and lemon juice, you’re getting a brilliant boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Who said healthy can’t be fun and delicious?
Fun and Adaptable Variations
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can give an exciting twist to the flavor.
- Go Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour as a binder.
- Veggie Packed: Sneak in some grated carrots or zucchini for added veggies—perfect for those picky eaters!
- Different Proteins: Swap chickpeas with lentils for another delicious twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Ultimate Lemon Chickpea Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
- Olive oil for frying
- 1 cup plain yogurt (for sauce)
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
These lemon chickpea patties will comfortably serve 3–4 people as a main dish, or 5–6 if served as a side or appetizer.
Cooking Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, start by mashing the drained chickpeas with a fork or potato masher. You want it mostly smooth but still have some texture; that’s where the character comes in!
- Next, add in the cooked quinoa or rice. Then, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is combined.
- Now it’s time to bind everything together—add the flour gradually. You want to use just enough of it until the mixture is sticky but holds together nicely.
- Shape your mixture into patties, about 1 inch thick and 2-3 inches wide, and place them on a plate.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet nicely.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties. Fry them in batches if your skillet can’t fit them all at once. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once they’re done, transfer your patties to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
- For the sauce, mix the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt and feel free to stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a fresh pop.
- When you’re ready to serve, plate your golden chickpea patties warmly, drizzle over the yogurt sauce, and add some lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Valuable Tips
- If your patties are falling apart, just mix in a bit more flour to help bind them.
- Making them ahead? Once cooked, these patties store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them on the skillet before serving.
- Leftover yogurt sauce? It’s perfect as a dip for fresh veggies or chips!
- Feel like meal prepping? These patties freeze beautifully—wrap them well and store for up to 3 months.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful patties:
- A large mixing bowl
- A fork or potato masher for mashing chickpeas
- A skillet for frying
- A spatula for flipping the patties
- A plate for placing the cooked patties on
- A small bowl for mixing the yogurt sauce
- A cutting board and knife for chopping
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, absolutely! Place the patties on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- How do I know when the patties are done? They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The insides will be warm and delicious!
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan since it doesn’t include any animal products.
- What can I substitute for chickpeas? You can try using black beans or lentils for a different flavor profile.
- Are these good for meal prep? Yes! They store well, and I often make a double batch to have on hand for quick meals throughout the week.
And there you have it—an easy recipe for some scrumptious chickpea patties! I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so make sure to drop a comment or share your pictures with me! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more fabulous recipes like this one. Happy cooking!
