Spicy Chickpea Patties

Looking for a meat-free meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? These Spicy Chickpea Patties are about to become your new go-to! Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a delicious blend of chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a little heat. Whether you enjoy them in a pita, on a salad, or as a side dish, they bring a burst of flavor to any meal. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak some plant-based protein into your diet. Trust me, these patties are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Chickpea Patties

• Flavor-packed: With bold spices like cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne, these patties are bursting with flavor. Each bite is a little spicy, a little savory, and totally irresistible.
• Simple & Quick: You only need a few pantry staples to make these patties. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
• Customizable: Not into too much heat? You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more or less cayenne, or skip it altogether for a milder version.
• Healthy & Filling: Chickpeas are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making these patties a great way to fill up without feeling heavy. Plus, they’re vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by using oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients for Spicy Chickpea Patties

For the Patties:

• Chickpeas: Canned or cooked from dry, these little legumes are the base of our patties.
• Breadcrumbs: Regular or gluten-free, breadcrumbs help bind everything together. You can also use oats if you prefer.
• Egg: Helps hold the patties together.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a bold, savory flavor.
• Onion: A finely chopped yellow onion gives these patties a sweet, earthy base.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

For the Spices:

• Ground Cumin: For that warm, earthy base flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a bit of smokiness and a vibrant color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch (or more, if you like it hot) for a little kick of spice.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and balance.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

Start by draining and rinsing your chickpeas (if using canned). Then, using a fork or potato masher, mash them in a large bowl until mostly mashed but still a little chunky. You want some texture in the patties, not a complete purée.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

To the mashed chickpeas, add your breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, and cilantro. Then, sprinkle in your spices—cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to firm it up.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Once your mixture is well combined, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a patty. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, making about 8-10 patties.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure to flip gently to keep the patties intact.

Step 5: Serve

Once they’re crispy and golden, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, or let them cool slightly if you’re prepping for later.

How to Serve Spicy Chickpea Patties

• In a Wrap or Pita: Stuff the patties into a warm pita or wrap with fresh veggies, some hummus, or a tangy yogurt sauce for a quick meal.
• With a Side Salad: These patties are perfect paired with a crisp salad to balance out the spice.
• On a Grain Bowl: Place the patties over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous with some avocado and a squeeze of lime.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Serve with a creamy yogurt-based sauce, tzatziki, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Spice It Up: If you want to take the heat to the next level, add some finely chopped jalapeños to the mix.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some finely diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach to sneak in some extra veggies!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the patties ahead of time. Form them and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking. You can even freeze them for up to 3 months—just cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Patty (Out of 8)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 4g (6% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3% DV)
• Cholesterol: 35mg (12% DV)
• Sodium: 280mg (12% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g (5% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 5g (10% DV)

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?

A1: Yes! You can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is a great option if you want to skip the oil.

Q2: Can I make these patties ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q3: Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

A3: Yes, canned chickpeas work great! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before mashing.

Q4: Can I use something other than breadcrumbs?

A4: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, oats, or even almond flour as a binder.

Q5: How can I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore the crispiness.

Q6: Can I freeze the patties?

A6: Yes! Form the patties and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q7: Can I make these vegan?

A7: Yes! Simply swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a chia egg.

Q8: Can I make these spicier?

A8: You can definitely increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat!

Q9: How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

A9: Make sure to mash the chickpeas just enough to leave some texture. Also, if your mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs or oats to firm it up.

Q10: Can I serve these patties with a dipping sauce?

A10: Absolutely! They pair wonderfully with a yogurt-based sauce, tzatziki, or even sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

These Spicy Chickpea Patties are the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and crispy goodness. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and completely customizable based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a fun addition to your next gathering, these patties are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get your spice on and enjoy every bite!

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