Garlic and Herb Chickpea Patties with Tzatziki Sauce
Pan-fried chickpea patties infused with fresh garlic and herbs, served with a cool, tangy cucumber tzatziki sauce perfect for wraps or salads. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 32 minutes blends (drained and rinsed) canned chickpeas, minced garlic cloves, finely chopped fresh parsley into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (drained and rinsed) canned chickpeas
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 small, finely grated and drained cucumber
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas until coarsely ground but not pureed, leaving some texture.
- Step 2: Transfer chickpeas to a bowl and stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties about 3 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 small finely grated and drained cucumber, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Serve chickpea patties warm with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Herb Chickpea Patties with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Garlic and Herb Chickpea Patties with Tzatziki Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Herb Chickpea Patties with Tzatziki Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic and Herb Chickpea Patties with Tzatziki Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Garlic and Herb Chickpea Patties with Tzatziki Sauce?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.