Spiced Pan-Fried Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce
Golden pan-fried chickpea patties spiced with cumin and coriander, served with a cooling garlic-yogurt sauce perfect for a vegetarian snack or light meal. This middle eastern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes blends ground cumin, ground coriander, minced garlic clove 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 220 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
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove, grated garlic clove for sauce
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mash 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas with a fork until mostly smooth but slightly chunky.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until combined and the mixture holds together.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into 8 small patties about 2.5 inches wide.
- Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 grated garlic clove to make the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve the warm chickpea patties with the garlic-yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Pan-Fried Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Pan-Fried Chickpea Patties with Yogurt 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 Spiced Pan-Fried Chickpea Patties with Yogurt 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 Spiced Pan-Fried Chickpea Patties with Yogurt 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 Spiced Pan-Fried Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern 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.
