If you’re looking for a delightful dish that blends wholesome ingredients with bold, vibrant flavors, this Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe is an absolute must-try. These chickpea patties have just the right amount of spices to make them irresistibly tasty while staying light and satisfying. Paired with a creamy, zesty lemon garlic aioli, every bite leaves you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward to follow and perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack that impresses friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the true secret behind the magic of this recipe. Each component not only builds flavor but also creates a wonderful texture contrast that brings these patties to life.
- Chickpeas: The star of the show, providing protein, creaminess, and subtle earthiness.
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the patties and adding a light crunch.
- White onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and sharpness to balance the earthiness of chickpeas.
- Cumin: Infuses a warm, smoky note that deepens the overall flavor.
- Turmeric: Not only adds golden color but also a delicate earthy touch.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Layered aromatics that enhance the savory goodness.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for perfectly shaped patties.
- Olive oil: Used for frying, it crisps the exterior and adds richness.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy base of our lemon garlic aioli, bringing tang and smoothness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For richness and a silky texture in the aioli.
- Lemon juice: Offers bright, refreshing acidity that wakes up the aioli.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.
How to Make Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Aioli
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This aioli brings a luscious, zesty creaminess that perfectly complements the crispy patties. Refrigerate it while you prepare your chickpea patties to let all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Mash the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt or preservatives. Then, using either a potato masher or a food processor, mash them until mostly broken down but still retaining some chunkiness for that wonderful texture contrast. This step is where your patties start taking shape!
Step 3: Mix the Patty Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas with breadcrumbs, diced white onion, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and the egg. Mixing everything evenly is key here because you want your patties to hold together well without being too dry or too wet. If the mixture feels too loose, just add a little more breadcrumbs until it’s just right.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
With clean hands, form the mixture into patties about 2 to 3 inches wide. Depending on your size, you should get around 6 to 8 lovely patties that are perfect for frying. This hands-on step is always satisfying—there’s something so fun about shaping these little flavor bombs before cooking them!
Step 5: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, gently place the patties in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden brown, crispy crust that locks in all that incredible flavor inside. If your pan gets crowded, cook them in batches, adding more oil as needed to keep them crisp and delicious.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Aioli
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and either dollop or dip generously in your chilled lemon garlic aioli. The contrast between the warm, crispy patties and the cool, tangy sauce is downright irresistible. Get ready for some happy taste buds!
How to Serve Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the dish instantly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and brightness. You can also add thin slices of radish or a pinch of smoked paprika to bring in some extra visual appeal and flavor layers.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The fresh, vibrant sides balance the rich patties, making every meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the patties in soft pita pockets or burger buns with plenty of fresh veggies and extra lemon garlic aioli. Alternatively, place them on a bed of fluffy quinoa or couscous for a grain bowl that shines with color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chickpea patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time making it taste even better the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze them for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and they’ll keep for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the frozen or refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil until heated through and crispy again. You can also use an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed evenly.
FAQs
Can I make these chickpea patties vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg to bind the patties, and swap the Greek yogurt in the aioli with a vegan yogurt or mayonnaise alternative for a delicious plant-based option.
What can I serve instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed oats, ground nuts, or even cooked quinoa can help bind the mixture while adding interesting textures.
Is it important to rinse canned chickpeas?
Yes, rinsing canned chickpeas removes extra salt and any preservatives, ensuring a cleaner, fresher taste and better texture in the patties.
Can I bake these patties instead of frying?
Sure thing! Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get them golden and crisp without all the oil.
How long does the lemon garlic aioli keep?
The aioli can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors tend to intensify, so it’s best enjoyed fresh but still keeps well for a few days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about biting into these crispy, flavorful Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe—whether for a quick weekday meal or a casual gathering with friends. It’s nourishing, vibrant, and so satisfying to make from scratch. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite go-to dish.
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Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy chickpea patties are a flavorful and healthy vegetarian dish made with mashed chickpeas, spices, and breadcrumbs, pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy lemon garlic aioli, they make a versatile meal perfect as a snack, in sandwiches, or alongside salads.
Ingredients
Chickpea Patties
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 egg
Lemon Garlic Aioli
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Refrigerate the aioli to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the patties.
- Mash the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Use a potato masher or food processor to mash them until mostly broken down but still retaining some texture. Transfer the mashed chickpeas to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, diced onion, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and the egg to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed; add more breadcrumbs if too wet.
- Shape the Patties: With clean hands, form the mixture into 6 to 8 patties, each about 2 to 3 inches wide, ensuring an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more oil between batches.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and serve warm with a generous dollop of the prepared lemon garlic aioli. Enjoy as a snack, in sandwiches, or with a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use a dairy-free yogurt for the aioli.
- If the mixture is too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs to help the patties hold their shape.
- You can prepare the patties ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Serve with salad, pita bread, or as a burger alternative.
- Leftover aioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
