Easy Chickpea Patties Recipe
Ready to fall in love with a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and utterly satisfying? Easy Chickpea Patties are my go-to when I need something wholesome and crowd-pleasing in a pinch. With just a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients, these little golden medallions deliver Mediterranean-inspired goodness in every bite. Whether tucked in a pita, perched on a salad, or enjoyed with a generous swirl of garlicky yogurt sauce, Easy Chickpea Patties win everyone over—yes, even the picky eaters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few simple ingredients come together to make these Easy Chickpea Patties taste so good! Each has a special job—some add crunch, others bring moisture or color, but together, they create an irresistible flavor and texture.
- Chickpeas: The star of the show! These are hearty, protein-packed, and give the patties their signature creamy-yet-textured bite.
- Breadcrumbs: They bind the mixture and help achieve that crisp, golden exterior everyone loves.
- Grated carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely specks of color throughout each patty.
- Green onions: For a fresh, mild oniony punch and grassy note that lifts the patties.
- Garlic: Just one clove gives an aromatic base that rounds out the savory flavors.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up every bite with a zesty tang—don’t skip it!
- Olive oil: Richens the patties and creates that luscious, golden crust when pan-fried.
- Ground cumin: Adds lovely earthiness and a gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with chickpeas.
- Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t be shy!
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds the patties together; use a flax egg for a vegan version.
How to Make Easy Chickpea Patties
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Grab your food processor and add the chickpeas, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, chopped green onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and the egg. Pulse everything together until the mixture is mostly smooth but still retains a bit of texture—think creamy with some small, tasty chunks. This is the secret to patties that are moist yet hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Let the Mixture Rest
Before you shape your patties, let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and the flavors to meld, making the mixture easier to work with and resulting in Extra easy chickpea patties that won’t fall apart in the pan.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
With damp hands (trust me, this trick keeps things from sticking), gently form the mixture into 6 to 8 small patties. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly—plus, evenly sized patties make for the prettiest presentation!
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfection
Heat a splash of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they’re deeply golden and crisp. Flipping only once is the key to getting that irresistible crunchy outside.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Transfer the finished patties to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any excess oil. Serve your Easy Chickpea Patties while they’re warm and still wonderfully crisp—they’re just waiting to be dressed up with your favorite toppings or sides!
How to Serve Easy Chickpea Patties
Garnishes
Dress up your Easy Chickpea Patties with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for a burst of color and a fragrant, herby finish. A dollop of creamy tzatziki, garlicky tahini, or a squeeze of extra lemon brings brightness and contrast to every bite. Don’t forget a dusting of smoked paprika or sesame seeds if you’re feeling a bit fancy!
Side Dishes
Pair Easy Chickpea Patties with a simple side salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or fluffy couscous for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal. They’re also delicious tucked into warm pita bread with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and crunchy cucumbers—a little extra crunch and color goes a long way.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your patties slider-style for a cute appetizer, layer them in wraps with greens and pickled onions for lunch, or crumble them over a grain bowl for added protein. They’re even fantastic as mini patties for healthy, kid-friendly snacks—honestly, there are endless ways to enjoy these irresistible Easy Chickpea Patties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra patties (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for quick meals or packed lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
Easy Chickpea Patties freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack with parchment between each patty in a freezer bag or sealed container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover patties in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil to restore their crispy exterior, or pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Even the microwave works in a pinch, though the oven keeps that lovely golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these Easy Chickpea Patties vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the egg for a flax egg (combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then use as directed). The patties bind well and taste just as deliciously hearty and bright.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem! You can mash the chickpeas with a potato masher or fork and finely chop the veggies, mixing everything together in a bowl. The patties end up a bit chunkier but still hold together wonderfully—think rustic charm.
Can I bake Easy Chickpea Patties instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter preparation, place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be a touch less crispy, but still totally tasty!
Are these patties gluten-free?
To go gluten-free, use your favorite GF breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in with confidence.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Be sure to let the mixture rest, which hydrates the breadcrumbs, and use the egg or flax egg for binding. If your mix feels dry, add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice; if too moist, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs until the texture is just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a simple, feel-good meal you can make again and again, these Easy Chickpea Patties fit the bill perfectly. With their crispy edges, tender middles, and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try—your next favorite dish is just a few chickpeas away!
Print
Easy Chickpea Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Chickpea Patties are a flavorful and nutritious option for a meatless meal. Packed with protein and fiber, these patties are simple to make and versatile to serve.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and egg. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to firm up.
- With damp hands, form into 6–8 small patties.
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve warm with a side salad, in a pita, or with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or tahini.
Notes
- To make these vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
- The patties can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (of 8)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
