Pan-Fried Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Patties

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these spiced chickpea and spinach patties are pan-fried to golden perfection and ideal for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs chopped fresh spinach, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mash 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas with a fork until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large beaten egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 8 equal patties, about 3 inches in diameter.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick pan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Add the patties in batches and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting heat as needed to avoid burning.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Patties take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Patties?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped fresh spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Patties?

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 Pan-Fried Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Patties 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.

Is Pan-Fried Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Patties vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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