Crispy Chickpea Fritters with Refreshing Tzatziki
Indulge in these crispy chickpea fritters that pack a flavorful punch while staying on the healthy side! Perfect as a light lunch or snack, these protein-rich fritters are made with hearty chickpeas and an array of aromatic spices. They can easily be made vegan by substituting the tzatziki with a dairy-free alternative such as soy yogurt, or pair them with delightful chutneys or tangy tamarind sauce for a delicious twist. These fritters are not only egg-free but also gluten-free when made with besan (chickpea flour). Easy to prepare and fun to make—these chickpea delights are certain to impress at Veg Swap 16 and beyond!
30
Servings
40
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
38 ounces (Rinse and drain)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons (Liquid form, equivalent to 4 minced garlic cloves)
Tahini
1 teaspoon (None)
Parsley flakes
2 tablespoons (None)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (None)
Coriander
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
Curry powder
1 dash (None)
Besan (chickpea flour)
1/2 cup (None)
Olive oil
as needed (For frying)
Plain fat-free yogurt
1 cup (None)
Cucumber
1 cup, finely diced (None)
Lemon juice
2 teaspoons (None)
Dill
1 teaspoon (None)
Dried mint
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Rinse and drain the chickpeas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, gently mash the chickpeas, leaving some whole for texture.
2
For a quicker method, you can use a food processor. Pulse the chickpeas until desired consistency is achieved, ensuring that you don't puree them completely. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
3
Add minced garlic and tahini to the chickpeas, mixing well to combine the flavors.
4
Incorporate the spices: parsley flakes, ground cumin, coriander, sea salt, black pepper, and a dash of curry powder into the chickpea mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
5
Gently fold in the besan (chickpea flour). Mix until combined, then let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
6
While the fritter mixture rests, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, blend the plain yogurt and lemon juice. Stir in the dill, dried mint, and season to taste. Finally, mix in the finely diced cucumber.
7
Preheat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. With clean hands, shape the chickpea mixture into 2-inch balls, then flatten them into discs.
8
Fry the fritters for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they're golden and crispy.
9
Using paper towels, blot excess oil from the fritters, then serve hot with tzatziki or your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Chickpea Fritters?
They are protein-rich fritters made with hearty chickpeas and aromatic spices, perfect as a light lunch or snack.
Is this recipe vegan?
The fritters can be made vegan by substituting the tzatziki with a dairy-free alternative such as soy yogurt.
Are these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, these fritters are gluten-free because they use besan, which is chickpea flour.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 30 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 40 calories per serving.
What is the main ingredient of the fritters?
The main ingredient is 38 ounces of chickpeas.
Can I use a food processor for the chickpeas?
Yes, you can pulse the chickpeas in a food processor, but ensure you do not puree them completely to maintain texture.
What is besan?
Besan is chickpea flour, used in this recipe to bind the fritters and keep them gluten-free.
How long should the fritter mixture rest?
The mixture should sit for 15-20 minutes to allow it to thicken.
How do I prepare the tzatziki sauce?
Blend plain yogurt and lemon juice, stir in dill and dried mint, then mix in finely diced cucumber.
How long do the fritters take to fry?
Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy.
What type of oil is used for frying?
Olive oil is used to preheat the pan and fry the fritters.
Are these fritters egg-free?
Yes, these chickpea delights are naturally egg-free.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 1.5g of protein.
What spices are included in the fritter mixture?
The spices include parsley flakes, ground cumin, coriander, sea salt, black pepper, and a dash of curry powder.
How do I shape the fritters?
Shape the mixture into 2-inch balls and then flatten them into discs.
What should I do after frying the fritters?
Blot excess oil from the fritters using paper towels before serving.
Can I serve these with something other than tzatziki?
Yes, they pair well with chutneys or tangy tamarind sauce for a delicious twist.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, which is equivalent to 4 cloves.
Is tahini used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of tahini is mixed into the chickpeas for flavor.
What are the nutritional facts for fat per serving?
Each serving contains 1g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of yogurt is used for the tzatziki?
The recipe uses 1 cup of plain fat-free yogurt.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of finely diced cucumber, but peeling is not required by the instructions.
Can I use fresh mint instead of dried mint?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried mint, but you could likely substitute fresh mint for a similar profile.
What is the role of lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice is used to provide acidity and brightness to the tzatziki sauce.
Is curry powder a major ingredient?
No, only a dash of curry powder is used to enhance the aromatic profile.
Are these fritters suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are described as easy to prepare and great for snacks or light lunches.
What should the consistency of the chickpeas be after mashing?
They should be gently mashed while leaving some whole for texture.
What event inspired this recipe?
These fritters were highlighted as a dish to impress at Veg Swap 16.