If you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and simple to whip up, this Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These patties boast a wonderful blend of spices giving them a warm, earthy flavor, while the creamy, zesty lemon garlic aioli adds a refreshing punch that perfectly complements each bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chickpea fan or new to plant-based delights, this recipe promises a delicious, crowd-pleasing experience that’s quick enough for any weeknight dinner and elegant enough to impress guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each component plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. From the hearty chickpeas to the vibrant spices and fresh lemon juice, these essentials come together for a dish that feels homemade and hits all the right notes.
- 15 oz can chickpeas: The star ingredient, providing a creamy, protein-packed base for your patties.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture for patties that hold their shape without crumbling.
- ½ white onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to the patties.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: Offers a gentle, golden tint and a mild, slightly bitter taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the patties with comforting garlicky aroma without overwhelming freshness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory onion notes in the mix.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For pan frying, lending a crisp, golden crust to each patty.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together to ensure patties don’t fall apart when cooked.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the lemon garlic aioli, balancing tartness with richness.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and depth to the aioli.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Delivers fresh acidity that brightens the aioli and overall dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the recipe.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that rounds out the aioli.
How to Make Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Make the Lemon Garlic Aioli
Start by whisking together Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate this vibrant lemon garlic aioli while you prepare the patties to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it the perfect cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spiced chickpea patties.
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpea Mixture
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Using a potato masher or food processor, mash them until mostly broken down but still a little chunky—this texture is key for patties that are tender yet substantial. Transfer the mashed chickpeas into a large mixing bowl to begin seasoning.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
To the mashed chickpeas, add breadcrumbs, diced white onion, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and the egg. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a cohesive mixture. If it feels too wet, sprinkling in more breadcrumbs will help it stick together when shaped into patties.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
With clean hands, shape the mixture into round patties about 2 to 3 inches wide. You should be able to form around 6 to 8 patties depending on your preferred size. Taking the time to make them uniform helps with even cooking and presentation.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the patties carefully to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed to achieve that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your golden chickpea patties to a plate and serve warm. Dollop the lemon garlic aioli either on top or on the side for dipping. This Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
How to Serve Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the patties for a pop of vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes that complement the spices. A few lemon wedges on the side can allow hungry eaters to add an extra zing of citrus whenever they please.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or a cooling cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted veggies or over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa for added texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these patties stuffed inside pita pockets with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a drizzle of the lemon garlic aioli for an easy Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. Alternatively, stack them as sliders with pickled onions and a smear of aioli for a fun, snackable option perfect for gatherings or lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lemon garlic aioli separated to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture before serving leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chickpea patties by placing them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp again on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain their texture. Serve with fresh lemon garlic aioli for that signature flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I make these chickpea patties vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg as a binder, and swap the Greek yogurt in the aioli for a plant-based yogurt to keep everything vegan-friendly without losing flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to mash the chickpeas?
A potato masher works wonderfully to achieve a chunky, rustic texture, but a food processor can speed things up if you prefer a smoother patty. Just be careful not to over-process, as you want some texture for bite.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great option for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place patties on a lined baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil, and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
What other dips go well with these patties?
If you want to mix it up, tahini sauce, tzatziki, or even a spicy harissa mayo can be fantastic companions. The lemon garlic aioli remains a favorite because of its bright, creamy balance, but don’t hesitate to experiment!
How can I make the patties more filling?
Add cooked quinoa, bulgur, or finely chopped nuts to the mixture for extra bulk and texture. This also boosts the protein content and makes the patties heartier for satisfying meals.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward methods can create something truly special. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or just enjoy a nourishing meal yourself, I encourage you to give these patties a try. They’re delicious, comforting, and surprisingly versatile—a true kitchen winner you’ll come back to again and again.
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Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chickpea Patties recipe offers a delicious, protein-packed vegetarian dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these spiced chickpea patties pair wonderfully with a tangy lemon garlic aioli for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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
- Make the Lemon Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended, then refrigerate the aioli while you prepare the patties to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Chickpea Mixture: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Using a potato masher or a food processor, mash the chickpeas until mostly broken down but still a bit chunky for texture. Transfer the mashed chickpeas to a large bowl.
- Add the Flavorings: To the bowl with the mashed chickpeas, add the breadcrumbs, diced white onion, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and the egg. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together if pressed – if it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- Shape the Patties: With clean hands, shape the mixture into patties about 2-3 inches wide. You should get around 6-8 patties, depending on the size.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until the patties are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more oil if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked patties to plates and serve warm with a generous dollop of lemon garlic aioli on top or on the side. Enjoy with salad, in a sandwich, or as is!
Notes
- If the chickpea mixture is too wet, adding more breadcrumbs will help it hold together better.
- You can prepare the lemon garlic aioli a few hours in advance to enhance its flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free yogurt for the aioli.
- These patties can also be baked at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter cooking option.
- Serve with a fresh salad or pita bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
