Crispy Baked Chickpea Patties

Ingredients

For the Chickpea Patties:

• • Chickpeas (cooked) – 1 can (240 g | 9 oz | 1½ cups)

• • Ground flaxseed – 3 tablespoons
  • Paprika – ½ teaspoon
  • Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon

• • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Oil – 1 tablespoon (olive or vegetable oil)
  • Salt – to taste

• Vegetable oil spray – for baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpea Mixture:

• • Drain and rinse the chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing 1 can of chickpeas (240 g). This helps remove any excess sodium or preservatives from the canning liquid.
  • Mash the chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and mash them using a fork or potato masher. You can leave some texture, so the patties have a bit of bite, or mash them completely for a smoother consistency.

2. Add Flaxseed and Seasoning:

• Prepare the flaxseed mixture: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens. This will act as a binder for the patties, similar to how eggs work in traditional recipes.
• Season the chickpeas: Add the thickened flaxseed mixture to the mashed chickpeas. Then, season with ½ teaspoon of paprika, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of oil, and salt to taste. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Form the Patties:

• • Shape the patties: Using your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the chickpea mixture and shape it into small, round patties. You should be able to form 6-8 patties, depending on the size.

• Place on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with vegetable oil spray. Place the chickpea patties on the prepared sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

4. Bake the Patties:

• • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Bake the patties: Spray the tops of the patties lightly with vegetable oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

• Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the patties from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.

Cooking Tips

• • Don’t Overmash: Leaving some chunks of chickpeas in the mixture will give your patties a nice texture and prevent them from becoming too mushy.
  • Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to add more spices or herbs like cumin, coriander, or fresh parsley to the chickpea mixture for added flavor. You can also mix in finely diced vegetables like onions or bell peppers for more texture.

• Pan-Frying Option: If you prefer a crisper exterior, you can pan-fry the patties in a skillet with a small amount of oil instead of baking them. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
• Serving Ideas: These chickpea patties are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them in pita bread with a dollop of hummus, on top of a fresh salad, or as a burger with your favorite toppings.

Storage

• • Refrigeration: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or on a skillet to restore their crispy texture before serving.

• Freezing: The patties freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through and crispy.