Vegan Cheesy Chickpea Fritters: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight

Introduction

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re excited to share a recipe for Vegan Cheesy Chickpea Fritters—a delightful fusion of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. These fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of chickpeas combined with the rich, cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast, all without any dairy. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, these fritters are sure to satisfy your cravings while aligning with a plant-based lifestyle.

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour for non-gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes to form a flax egg)

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup vegan yogurt
  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Flax Egg:
    • In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This mixture will act as an egg replacement in the fritters.
  2. Prepare the Chickpeas:
    • Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large mixing bowl and mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, with some small chunks remaining for texture.
  3. Combine Vegetables:
    • Add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well to combine.
  4. Add Flavor and Binding Agents:
    • Stir in the nutritional yeast, almond flour, chickpea flour, ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water; if too wet, add a bit more almond flour.
  5. Add the Flax Egg and Lemon Juice:
    • Incorporate the prepared flax egg and lemon juice into the mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
  6. Heat the Oil:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the fritters to get a nice crispy exterior.
  7. Form the Fritters:
    • Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, form small patties from the mixture. Flatten them slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon.
  8. Cook the Fritters:
    • Place the patties in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
  9. Drain and Serve:
    • Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.
  10. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
    • In a small bowl, whisk together vegan yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve alongside the fritters for added flavor.
  11. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the fritters warm, either on their own or with the optional dipping sauce. They make a great appetizer, snack, or light meal. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Nutritional Information (Per Fritter, Makes Approximately 12 Fritters)

  • Calories: 75 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 200 mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

  • Freestyle/Blue/Green Points: 2 points per fritter (without dipping sauce)
  • Purple Points: 2 points per fritter

Tips for Success

  • Even Cooking: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the fritters to achieve a crispy texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
  • Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair the fritters with a fresh salad or use them as a filling for a wrap. They can also be enjoyed with a side of roasted vegetables.

Variations

  • Spice Level: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Cheesy Flavor Boost: Increase the amount of nutritional yeast if you prefer a stronger cheesy flavor.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat frozen fritters in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. For refrigerated fritters, a quick reheat in a skillet over medium heat will restore their crispy texture.

Conclusion

Our Vegan Cheesy Chickpea Fritters are a delightful addition to any meal plan, offering a delicious blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures. With their crispy exterior and cheesy interior, they’re perfect for those following a plant-based or gluten-free diet. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main course, these fritters are sure to be a hit at your table.

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. We hope you enjoy making and savoring these scrumptious fritters!