If you are on the lookout for a flavorful, wholesome, and fuss-free dish, this Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire. These golden patties boast a delightful blend of warm spices and a satisfying texture, perfectly complemented by a tangy, creamy aioli that brings brightness and zest to every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a satisfying lunch, a party appetizer, or a light dinner, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors that always hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not only to add layers of flavor but also to build the ideal texture and color combination in the patties and the lemon garlic aioli. From earthy chickpeas to aromatic spices and zesty lemon juice, these components come together effortlessly to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- Chickpeas: The main ingredient offering creaminess and protein with a hearty base for the patties.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture and add a subtle crunch to the patties.
- White onion: Adds sweetness and a mild sharpness that balances the spices.
- Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy aroma that’s traditional in many delicious chickpea dishes.
- Turmeric: Not only for its beautiful golden hue but also for its subtle, unique flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the savory depth without overpowering.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the patties intact during cooking.
- Olive oil: Used for pan frying to create that irresistible golden, crispy crust.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the lemon garlic aioli, adding a tangy richness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and fresh flavor to the aioli.
- Lemon juice: Gives the aioli its signature bright, citrusy kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate both the patties and the aioli.
How to Make Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Make the Lemon Garlic Aioli
Starting with the aioli is a smart move because it benefits from some resting time in the fridge to let all those fresh flavors meld together. Simply whisk together Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. The creamy, tangy aioli will be a fabulous companion to those hearty chickpea patties.
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpea Mixture
Drain and rinse the chickpeas well to remove any canning liquid, then mash them gently. You want a balance here — mostly mashed but leaving a bit of chunkiness adds a wonderful texture contrast to the patties. It’s that kind of little detail that turns these into a memorable dish.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
To the mashed chickpeas, add the diced white onion, breadcrumbs, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and an egg. Mix everything evenly until the mixture holds together when pressed. If it feels too wet, sprinkling a little more breadcrumbs can save the day. This step brings the patties to life with flavor and structure.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Using clean hands, form the mixture into 2 to 3-inch wide patties. Depending on your size preference, you’ll get around 6 to 8 patties from this batch. The size makes them perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or plating up nicely for dinner.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the patties carefully and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful deep golden crust that’s crisp on the outside while tender on the inside. If you need to cook in batches, just add a little more oil as you go along to keep that perfect sizzle.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the cooked patties warm, adding a generous dollop of your bright lemon garlic aioli either on top or on the side. This dish is delightful on its own, tucked inside a sandwich, or paired with a fresh salad. Every bite promises zest, creaminess, and a satisfying crunch that’ll have you coming back for more.
How to Serve Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A few chili flakes or a drizzle of extra lemon juice can also kick the flavors up a notch if you like.
Side Dishes
These patties pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a side of warm pita bread. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve with tabbouleh or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the patties in pita pockets with leafy greens, sliced tomatoes, and the luscious lemon garlic aioli as a sandwich. They also make fantastic sliders for parties, or you can serve them as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus and olives for a colorful, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the lemon garlic aioli separately in a small jar or bowl to preserve its freshness and texture.
Freezing
These chickpea patties freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the patties in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisped on the outside again. The microwave works in a pinch but can soften the crispiness. Reheat the aioli separately and serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these chickpea patties vegan?
Absolutely! To keep your Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg. Use a plant-based yogurt for the aioli, and replace the egg in the patties with your preferred binder.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
No worries at all — crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even ground nuts can do the trick as a binder and will add some interesting texture and flavor twists to the patties.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative. Place the patties on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm to the touch.
How spicy are these patties?
This recipe is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can easily amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the chickpea mixture for a little kick.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix everything up a few hours before cooking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just shape and cook when ready. The flavors actually meld nicely when resting a bit, making your Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about these Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time, offering a wonderful blend of flavors and textures you can enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try—you just might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Easy Chickpea Patties with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties, serves 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Chickpea Patties are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish, featuring spiced chickpea patties pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy lemon garlic aioli. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they can be enjoyed on their own, in sandwiches, or alongside a fresh salad.
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
- Make the Lemon Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate the aioli while preparing the patties to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Chickpea Mixture: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Using a potato masher or food processor, mash the chickpeas until mostly broken down but still retaining some texture. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Flavorings: To the mashed chickpeas, add the breadcrumbs, diced white onion, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add additional breadcrumbs as needed.
- Shape the Patties: With clean hands, form the mixture into 6 to 8 patties approximately 2-3 inches wide.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the patties carefully to the skillet. Cook each patty for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches as necessary, adding more oil if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked patties to serving plates. Serve warm topped or accompanied by a generous dollop of lemon garlic aioli. Enjoy with a fresh salad, inside a sandwich, or alone as a tasty snack.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt alternative to make the aioli dairy-free.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—add more cumin or turmeric for a spicier flavor.
- If you prefer crispier patties, bake them in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- These patties can be made ahead and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
