Description
These Vegetable Chickpea Fritters are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Perfect as a gluten-free, vegan snack, appetizer, or lunch, they can be pan-fried, air-fried, or oven-baked. Made with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and fragrant spices, they offer a delicious and nutritious option for any meal.
Ingredients
Fritter Base
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- ½ medium onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½-⅔ tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- ½-⅔ cup (60-80 g) chickpea flour or rice flour
Vegetables
- 1 medium bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup (150 g) corn (fresh or canned)
- 2-3 Tbsp parsley, chopped
Other
- Oil for frying
- Vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and roughly chop the onion, finely dice the bell pepper, and chop the parsley. Open the chickpea can and save the liquid for later use if needed.
- Process Chickpeas and Aromatics: Transfer the chickpeas, onion, garlic, lime juice, and spices (onion powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper) to a food processor. Pulse about 5-6 times until the mixture reaches a crumbly consistency, avoiding over-processing.
- Add Flour: Add the chickpea or rice flour to the food processor and pulse 2-3 times until just combined. Scrape down the sides as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper, corn, and parsley to the food processor. Pulse only 2-3 times to mix them without pureeing.
- Adjust Binding: If the mixture is too wet or not binding well, add more chickpea flour. Alternatively, if the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of the reserved chickpea liquid and stir gently with a spoon.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 90 grams each) and shape them into patties approximately ½-inch thick.
- Cook Patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the patties until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can air-fry or oven-bake them for a healthier option.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm with your choice of cashew dip or vegan cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use chickpea flour for better binding if you want gluten-free and high protein fritters; rice flour works as a lighter alternative.
- Do not over-process the mixture in the food processor to keep a good texture in the fritters.
- Reserve the chickpea can liquid in case the mixture is too dry and needs moisture to bind.
- These fritters can be pan-fried, air-fried, or baked depending on your preference.
- For a lower-fat option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Customize by adding your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Plant-Based
