These chickpea spinach fritters are a delightful and nutritious option for a quick snack or a light meal. Packed with protein from the chickpeas and vitamins from the spinach, these fritters are both healthy and delicious. They are easy to make and perfect for those who love a good savory treat.
If you don't usually have chickpeas or fresh spinach in your pantry, you might need to make a quick trip to the supermarket. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are often found in the canned goods section. Fresh spinach is usually located in the produce aisle. Make sure to pick up a small onion and some garlic if you don't have those at home either.
Ingredients for Chickpea Spinach Fritters
Chickpeas: These are the base of the fritters, providing a hearty texture and protein.
Fresh spinach: Adds a burst of color and a dose of vitamins to the fritters.
Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the fritters.
Flour: Helps bind the ingredients together to form patties.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the fritters.
Paprika: Gives a mild, smoky taste and a hint of color.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Perfect Fritters
When mashing the chickpeas, use a fork or a potato masher to achieve a mostly smooth consistency, but leave some chunks for added texture. This will give your fritters a more interesting bite.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chickpeas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in fritters.
chickpeas - Substitute with lentils: Lentils provide a similar protein content and can be mashed to create a similar consistency.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale offers a similar nutrient profile and can be finely chopped to match the texture of spinach.
spinach - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a slightly earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity as spinach.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that complements the other ingredients.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion flavor and can be finely chopped to blend well in the fritters.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor when minced finely.
flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is gluten-free and enhances the chickpea flavor in the fritters.
flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is another gluten-free option that provides a slightly nutty flavor.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other spices.
cumin - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor and can be ground to match the texture of cumin.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fritters.
paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good frying alternative with a mild flavor that won't overpower the fritters.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for frying.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Fritters
- Allow the fritters to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled fritters in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- For freezing, arrange the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, place the fritters on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil until warmed through and crispy on both sides.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chickpea spinach fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the fritters in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and have regained their crispiness.
Microwave Method: Place the fritters on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method: Set your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are thoroughly warmed and crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Fritters
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix all the ingredients together.
Fork or potato masher: Used to mash the chickpeas until they are mostly smooth.
Knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the spinach, onion, and garlic.
Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, cumin, and paprika.
Frying pan: Used to heat the olive oil and fry the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Helps to flip the patties in the frying pan to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use a food processor: Quickly mash chickpeas and mix ingredients by pulsing them in a food processor.
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop spinach, onion, and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra fritters for a quick meal later.
Non-stick pan: Use a non-stick pan to reduce the need for extra olive oil and make cleanup easier.
Form patties in advance: Shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
Chickpea Spinach Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash chickpeas until mostly smooth.
- Add spinach, onion, garlic, flour, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form mixture into small patties.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
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