Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Oven-Baked Chickpea Patties?
They are a nutritious, baked alternative to traditional falafel, made with chickpeas, garlic, onion, and fresh parsley.
Are these chickpea patties healthy?
Yes, they are baked rather than fried and provide a good source of plant-based protein from chickpeas.
How many patties does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 10 small patties, each about 2 inches in diameter.
At what temperature should I bake the patties?
The patties should be baked in an oven preheated to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
How long do the patties need to bake?
Bake them for 5-6 minutes per side, for a total of 10-12 minutes.
Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat bread crumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives to make the recipe gluten-free.
What provides the protein in this recipe?
The primary protein source is a 15-ounce can of chickpeas.
How should I prepare the chickpeas?
The chickpeas should be rinsed, drained, and then mashed with a fork until they reach a crumbly texture.
Is a food processor required for this recipe?
A food processor is used to finely chop the aromatics and thoroughly combine the chickpea mixture.
What should I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture is too dry to mold, incorporate an additional tablespoon of water.
What should I do if the mixture is too wet?
If the mixture is too wet, add an extra tablespoon of whole wheat flour to achieve the right consistency.
What size should the patties be?
The mixture should be shaped into small patties approximately 2 inches in diameter.
How can I serve these chickpea patties?
They can be served as a snack, a main dish with salad, or as a filling in pita bread.
What sauce pairs well with these?
Tahini sauce is a traditional and delicious accompaniment for these baked patties.
Are these patties fried in oil?
No, they are baked in the oven. Olive oil is only used to lightly grease the baking sheet.
What kind of parsley is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley.
Can I serve these patties cold?
Yes, these patties can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil before placing the patties.
What spices are used to season the patties?
The patties are seasoned with coriander, cumin, salt, and white pepper.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of diced onion.
How many cloves of garlic are included?
One finely chopped garlic clove is used in the mixture.
What is the purpose of tahini in the mixture?
Tahini adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
When should I flip the patties during baking?
Flip the patties carefully after the first 5-6 minutes of baking.
Can I use regular white flour?
While the recipe calls for whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose white flour if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these chickpea patties are 100% vegetarian.
How do I achieve a crispy exterior?
Baking at high heat and flipping the patties halfway through ensures they get lightly browned and crispy.
Should I peel the chickpeas?
Peeling is not necessary; simply rinsing and draining the canned chickpeas is sufficient.
Can I use these as an appetizer?
Yes, they are the perfect size to serve as an appetizer or a party snack.
Is white pepper different from black pepper?
White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and is often used for aesthetics, but black pepper can be used as a substitute.
How do I combine the flour into the mixture?
After processing the main ingredients, transfer the mix to a bowl and fold in the flour by hand.