Papou’s Chickpea Fitters

Get ready to step into my family’s flavor-filled journey with my grandfather’s all-time favorite Chickpea Fritter recipe! Picture this: little crispy wonders that pack the goodness of chickpeas, the pop of spinach, and a bunch of fresh herbs all in one bite. These aren’t just any fritters – they’re like a taste of tradition wrapped in a crispy, herb-infused hug.

Imagine sinking your teeth into that crispy outside that gives way to this tender, herb-packed inside. But hold on, because the real game-changer is the finishing touch. A dollop of creamy tzatziki on each fritter – it’s like a tangy, cool high-five that takes these fritters to a whole new level. Trust me, every bite is like a little culinary adventure, with a sprinkle of family love thrown in. So, let’s fire up those taste buds and dive into this recipe that’s been making my family gatherings legendary for years.

TIPS AND TRICKS

1. Drain Chickpeas Well: Ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly drained and patted dry before using them. Excess moisture can affect the fritter’s texture.
2. Squeeze Out Spinach: After chopping the spinach, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out any excess water. Excess moisture can make the fritter mixture too wet.
3. Chill the Mixture: Before forming the fritters, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. A cold mixture is easier to work with and holds its shape better while cooking.
4. Consistency Matters: When blending the chickpea mixture, aim for a coarse texture rather than a completely smooth paste. This gives the fritters a nice texture.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the fritters and adjust the seasoning as needed. Chickpeas can handle a good amount of flavor, so don’t be shy with herbs and spices.
6. Test Frying Temperature: Before frying all the fritters, test one in the oil to ensure the temperature is right. The fritter should sizzle gently but not splatter excessively.
7. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches if necessary.
8. Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
9. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain their texture.

GET CREATIVE

Here are some delightful ways to serve these flavorful chickpea fritters:

1. Classic Tzatziki Duo: Pair your chickpea fritters with a generous side of creamy tzatziki for that authentic Mediterranean experience.
2. Wrap it Up: Create scrumptious wraps by filling warm pita bread with chickpea fritters, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki.
3. Green Salad Toppers: Add a protein punch to your favorite salads by placing a couple of chickpea fritters on top, adding a satisfying crunch and flavor boost.
4. Breakfast Boost: Enjoy them as a protein-packed addition to your breakfast plate, alongside scrambled eggs, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
5. Party Platter: Serve these fritters as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, along with an array of dipping sauces for a flavorful kick.
6. Bowl Bliss: Build a hearty bowl by layering quinoa, roasted veggies, and these chickpea fritters. Top it off with a drizzle of dressing for a wholesome meal.
7. Picnic Perfect: Pack chickpea fritters as a snack for picnics. They’re delicious cold and make for a great on-the-go treat.
8. Burger Alternatives: Swap out the traditional patty with a chickpea fritter in your burgers for a unique, tasty twist.
9. Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Include these fritters in a spread of Mediterranean mezze, along with hummus, olives, stuffed grape leaves, and more.
10. Kids’ Delight: Serve them as a kid-friendly option with a side of dipping sauces. The crispy texture is sure to make them a hit with little ones.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or get creative with your own serving suggestions. These chickpea fritters are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions.

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Print Recipe

Papou’s Chickpea Fritters

Here is my grandfather's cherished chickpea fritter recipe! Packed with wholesome goodness from chickpeas, vibrant spinach, and a medley of fresh herbs, these fritters are a delightful combination of tradition and taste. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they are the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Top them off with a dollop of creamy tzatziki for a burst of tangy refreshment that elevates these fritters to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: greek

Keyword: chickpeas, dairy free, gluten free, papous chickpea fritter, spinach

Ingredients

• 2 Idaho potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 10 oz. spinach chopped
• 1 large onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chickpeas
• 3 tbsp dill chopped
• 3 tbsp mint chopped
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• POTATOES: Peel and dice the potatoes into 2 inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover the potatoes with cold water. Once the water begins to boil add about 1 tablespoon of salt and stir. Boil the potatoes on high until they are fork tender. Drain the potatoes, then mash, and set aside to cool.
• SPINACH: Dice the onions, chop the spinach, and mince the garlic. Heat a medium-sized skillet on medium-low heat and then, add the olive oil. Sauté the onions until they are translucent in color. Be sure to stir occasionally, so they do not burn. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or until it becomes fragrant. Add the spinach and allow to wilt. Set aside to cool.
• CHICKPEAS: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Mash the chickpeas and set aside.
• MIX: In a large bowl, add the potatoes, chickpeas, dill, mint, eggs, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Using your hands, squeeze all of the water out of the spinach mixture. After that, add the spinach mixture to the bowl and mix everything together.
• COOL: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill for about 4 hours.
• FRY: Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is heated, use an ice cream scoop to scoop out some of the mixture, use your hands to make a patty, and gently place it into the oil. Fry the patties until they are golden brown on both sides. Continue to scoop, form, and fry until all of the mixture is gone.
• SERVE: Serve the fritter warm, cold, or room temperature. For added flavor and texture, serve with Tzatziki.