Spiced Quinoa and Chickpea Bites
Crispy, flavorful bites made with chickpeas, quinoa, and warm Middle Eastern spices. These protein-rich patties are pan-fried until golden brown and make a perfect appetizer or vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
- •1 can chickpeas
- •⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- •2 cloves garlic
- •1 tsp kosher salt
- •½ tsp ground cumin
- •¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- •¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- •1 large egg
- •2 Tbsp almond butter
- •1¼ cups cooked quinoa
- •¾ cup vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Cook chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, salt, cumin, cayenne (if using), and cinnamon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic has softened and spices are fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor. Add egg and almond butter and pulse until a smooth paste forms. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in quinoa.
4 min
- 2.
Scoop out 1 heaping Tbsp. chickpea mixture and use wet hands to roll into a ping pong-size ball. Flatten slightly between your palms, then transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chickpea mixture (you should have about 16 patties).
15 min
- 3.
Pour vegetable oil into a medium cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 1/2". Heat over medium-high until shimmering. Working in batches if needed, fry patties, turning often with a slotted spoon, until golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and let cool slightly.
5 min
- 4.
Do Ahead: Chickpea mixture can be formed into patties 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic and chill, or freeze on baking sheet until solid, at least 2 hours, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag and freeze up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding about 1 minute to cook time.
120 min