Golden Chickpea and Sweet Potato Koftas
Savor the delightful flavors of these Golden Chickpea and Sweet Potato Koftas, inspired by traditional Indian cooking yet crafted for healthier living. These golden-yellow patties are enhanced with fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant green peas, making them not only a nutritious choice but also a visually appealing dish. With a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, they offer the perfect balance between texture and taste. Serve them hot in fluffy pita bread, topped with fresh tomatoes and Mediterranean Yogurt, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack or appetizer. These koftas are versatile, nutritious, and perfect for any meal of the day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet potato or yam
1 medium (peeled and diced)
Cooked chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Garlic clove
1 large (peeled)
Scallions
2 (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Cumin seeds
2 teaspoons (lightly toasted)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Unbleached white flour
6 tablespoons
Green peas
1 cup
Vegetable oil
as needed (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
1. Peel and dice the sweet potato or yam into small cubes, and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potato or yam and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain thoroughly and allow it to cool slightly.
2
2. In a food processor, combine the cooked sweet potato, rinsed chickpeas, garlic clove, chopped scallions, toasted cumin seeds, minced ginger, salt, lemon juice, and a few grinds of black pepper. Process the mixture until it becomes a thick, smooth purée. Transfer this mixture to a mixing bowl.
3
3. Gradually stir in the unbleached white flour until it is fully incorporated into the mixture. Carefully fold in the peas, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4
4. Shape the mixture into uniform patties using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, gently flattening each to about 1/2-inch thick and 2 1/2 inches in diameter for consistency.
5
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet in batches. Cook each side for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
6
6. Remove the koftas from the skillet and allow them to drain on paper towels. Serve hot or warm, either in pita bread with fresh tomatoes and Mediterranean Yogurt or as a delicious stand-alone dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Chickpea and Sweet Potato Koftas?
These are nutritious, golden-yellow patties inspired by traditional Indian cooking, featuring chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and fragrant spices with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include sweet potato or yam, cooked chickpeas, garlic, scallions, cumin seeds, fresh ginger, lemon juice, flour, and green peas.
How do I prepare the sweet potato?
Peel and dice the sweet potato into small cubes, boil for about 10 minutes until tender, then drain and cool slightly.
Can I use canned chickpeas for these koftas?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one 15-ounce can of cooked chickpeas, ensuring they are rinsed and drained.
How should the chickpeas and sweet potato be combined?
Combine them in a food processor with garlic, scallions, cumin, ginger, salt, and lemon juice, and process until the mixture is a thick, smooth purée.
What spices are used in these koftas?
The recipe calls for lightly toasted cumin seeds, minced fresh ginger, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
When should I add the flour?
Gradually stir in the unbleached white flour after the vegetable purée has been transferred to a mixing bowl.
How are the green peas added to the mixture?
Carefully fold the green peas into the mixture after the flour is incorporated to ensure they are evenly distributed.
What size should the kofta patties be?
Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to form patties that are about 1/2-inch thick and 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
How do I cook the koftas?
Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat and cook the patties for 8 to 10 minutes per side until golden brown.
How do I serve Golden Chickpea and Sweet Potato Koftas?
Serve them hot in pita bread with fresh tomatoes and Mediterranean Yogurt, or as a stand-alone snack or appetizer.
Are these koftas vegan?
The koftas themselves are vegan; however, they are often served with Mediterranean Yogurt, so use a plant-based yogurt for a fully vegan meal.
Can I make these koftas gluten-free?
Yes, a gluten-free option is available by substituting the unbleached white flour with a gluten-free flour alternative.
What is the texture of the koftas?
They feature a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior enhanced by the addition of whole green peas.
How much ginger is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, the recipe allows for either one medium sweet potato or one medium yam.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe specifies 6 tablespoons of unbleached white flour.
How many scallions should I use?
Use two scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces before processing.
Is the garlic processed or minced?
One large garlic clove is processed in the food processor along with the other base ingredients.
What oil is best for frying the koftas?
Vegetable oil is recommended for sautéing the patties in a skillet.
Should the cumin seeds be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds should be lightly toasted before being added to the mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 12 ingredients total.
How long does the sweet potato need to boil?
The sweet potato cubes should be cooked in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes.
Can these be prepared in batches?
Yes, the recipe recommends cooking the patties in the skillet in batches to ensure even browning.
What is the purpose of the paper towels after cooking?
Remove the koftas from the skillet and allow them to drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Can these be eaten cold?
While the recipe suggests serving them hot or warm, they can also be enjoyed as a flavorful snack later.
Is there lemon juice in the recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice are added for acidity and brightness.
How do you ensure consistent patty size?
Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup helps shape uniform patties for consistent cooking.
What makes these koftas golden?
The combination of sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and spices gives the patties their vibrant golden-yellow color.
Are these suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, they are crafted for healthier living, featuring plant-based protein and nutrient-dense vegetables.