Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chickpea patties are loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and zesty spices to keep you full and energized. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a meatless protein alternative, these patties deliver big on flavor and nutrition with every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- Rolled oats
- Garlic cloves
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Water or aquafaba (as needed to bind)
Directions
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, oats, garlic, red onion, herbs, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
- If too dry, add a tablespoon of water or aquafaba at a time until it holds together when pressed.
- Form the mixture into 6–8 equal patties and place on a plate. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauces, in a pita, on a bun, or over a salad.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 to 8 patties.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Baked version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add veggies: Mix in grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrients and moisture.
- Different herbs: Use dill, basil, or mint for a new flavor twist.
- Tahini twist: Add a spoonful of tahini to the mix for richness.
- Curry flavor: Use curry powder and turmeric for an Indian-inspired variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
Freeze uncooked or cooked patties by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, then mix the rest by hand. The texture will be a bit chunkier but still delicious.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier alternative.
What’s the best way to keep them from falling apart?
Be sure to pulse the mixture until cohesive, and don’t skip the chilling step—it helps them firm up.
Can I use dry chickpeas?
Yes, cook them fully before using. You’ll need about 1½ cups cooked chickpeas for one 15-ounce can.
What can I serve with these patties?
Serve with salad, tucked into pita with veggies and hummus, or as a burger with your favorite toppings.
Can I make the mix ahead of time?
Yes, the uncooked mix can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before forming into patties.
Can I use a different bean?
Yes, white beans, black beans, or lentils also work well in place of chickpeas.
How spicy are these?
They’re moderately spicy. Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
What’s a good sauce to pair with them?
Try garlic tahini sauce, vegan yogurt sauce, hot sauce, or avocado crema.
Conclusion
Protein-packed spicy chickpea patties are a delicious and flexible addition to your plant-based recipe collection. Whether you’re craving something spicy, hearty, or quick to whip up, these patties check all the boxes. Great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, they’re a flavorful, wholesome way to power your day.
PrintProtein-Packed Spicy Chickpea Patties
Protein-packed spicy chickpea patties are crispy, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based patties made with chickpeas, oats, herbs, and spices. They’re versatile enough to enjoy as burgers, in pitas, over salads, or on their own with dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry or bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1–2 tbsp water or aquafaba (as needed to bind)
Instructions
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, oats, garlic, onion, herbs, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mostly combined with some texture left.
- If mixture is too dry, add water or aquafaba a tablespoon at a time until it holds together when pressed.
- Form into 6–8 patties and place on a plate. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm in buns, pitas, or over salad with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the patties hold together while cooking.
- Adjust spice level to taste by reducing or increasing chili powder and red pepper flakes.
- You can bake or air-fry the patties for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (out of 8)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
