Crispy Mediterranean Chickpea Fritters
These Crispy Mediterranean Chickpea Fritters are a delightful twist on traditional latkes, inspired by Indian flavors. Made from just a few pantry staples, they feature the earthy taste of garbanzo beans, aromatic garlic, and the fragrant essence of fresh rosemary. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm with a dollop of tangy sour cream or plain yogurt mixed with fresh mint, and garnish with vibrant pomegranate seeds for an added crunch and burst of color. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or light meal any time of the year!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Garlic
2 cloves (peeled)
Fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Large eggs
3 (beaten)
Water
6 tablespoons (none)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (none)
Ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Olive oil
6 tablespoons (for frying)
Pomegranate seeds
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, blend the rinsed and drained garbanzo beans, garlic, and chopped rosemary until you achieve a coarse paste.
2
Add the beaten eggs, 6 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into the processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3
Next, mix in the flour, ground cumin, salt, ground black pepper, and baking powder. Blend again until combined.
4
Transfer the fritter batter into a mixing bowl.
5
In a heavy large skillet, heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it's hot but not smoking.
6
Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
7
Fry the fritters for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8
Using a slotted spatula, carefully remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
Add more oil to the skillet as necessary and allow it to heat before adding additional batches of batter.
10
Once all fritters are cooked, arrange them on serving plates.
11
If desired, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for an extra touch, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Mediterranean Chickpea Fritters?
These fritters are a Mediterranean-inspired twist on traditional latkes, featuring garbanzo beans, garlic, and fresh rosemary with Indian flavor influences.
What is the primary ingredient in these fritters?
The main ingredient is a 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, which should be rinsed and drained.
How many fritters does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings or fritters.
Are these chickpea fritters vegetarian?
Yes, these fritters are classified as vegetarian.
What aromatics are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses two peeled cloves of garlic and one tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary for a fragrant essence.
How should the garbanzo beans be prepared?
The chickpeas should be rinsed, drained, and then blended in a food processor until they form a coarse paste.
What spices give these fritters their flavor?
The batter is seasoned with 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What is the role of baking powder in the recipe?
Half a teaspoon of baking powder is added to the batter to help the fritters achieve the right texture.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
The recipe calls for three large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What liquids are mixed into the batter?
The batter includes six tablespoons of water and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses three tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help bind the fritter batter.
Do I need special equipment to make these?
A food processor is needed to blend the ingredients into a smooth paste, and a heavy large skillet is required for frying.
How do I start the preparation process?
Start by blending the garbanzo beans, garlic, and rosemary in a food processor until a coarse paste is formed.
When do I add the flour and spices?
After blending the bean paste with eggs, water, and oil until smooth, you then mix in the flour, cumin, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
How hot should the oil be for frying?
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking before adding the batter.
How much oil is used for frying?
Initially, six tablespoons of olive oil are used in the skillet, with more added as necessary between batches.
What is the recommended size for each fritter?
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil for each fritter.
How long do the fritters need to fry?
Fry each fritter for about one minute on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What is the texture of the finished fritters?
The fritters are designed to be perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
How should I remove the fritters from the pan?
Use a slotted spatula to carefully remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
How can I serve these chickpea fritters?
Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt mixed with fresh mint.
What is a recommended garnish for this dish?
Pomegranate seeds are recommended as a garnish for an added crunch, burst of color, and tangy flavor.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are suitable as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
What color should the fritters be when cooked?
The fritters should be fried until they reach a golden brown color.
Is extra virgin olive oil used inside the batter?
Yes, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are blended directly into the batter.
Should I cook all the fritters at once?
No, you should work in batches to ensure the skillet isn't overcrowded and the oil temperature stays consistent.
Are there any tips for frying multiple batches?
Add more oil to the skillet as necessary and allow it to heat up again before adding additional batter.
What is the final consistency of the batter?
The batter should be smooth after all ingredients are blended together in the food processor.
Can I serve these cold?
While they can be eaten cold, the recipe recommends serving them warm for the best texture.
What gives the fritters an Indian-inspired flavor?
The combination of chickpeas and ground cumin provides the aromatic Indian-inspired essence.