Chickpea Fritters (Revithokeftedes - Greek)

Chickpeas: These are the base of the fritters, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation.

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the fritters.

Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the other ingredients.

Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, it adds a touch of color and a burst of herbal flavor.

Flour: Helps bind the mixture together, ensuring the fritters hold their shape.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice that is characteristic of many Mediterranean dishes.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fritters.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.

Olive oil: Used for frying, it gives the fritters a crispy, golden exterior.

When mashing the chickpeas, aim for a consistency that is mostly smooth but still has some texture. This will help the fritters hold together better and provide a more interesting bite. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a small amount of water or olive oil to achieve the right consistency.

• cooked chickpeas - Substitute with cooked lentils: Lentils have a similar texture and protein content, making them a good alternative for fritters.

• small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the flavor profile.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is gluten-free and enhances the chickpea flavor in the fritters.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a similar earthy flavor that pairs well with the other spices.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.

• Allow the chickpea fritters to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Place the cooled fritters in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• For longer storage, freeze the fritters. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 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.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the fritters soggy. Instead, use the oven or a toaster oven for best results.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chickpea fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray them with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 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 chickpea fritters in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and have regained their crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method: Place the chickpea fritters on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the other methods.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chickpea fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chickpea fritters on the toaster oven tray and heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mash the chickpeas with other ingredients.

• Masher: A tool used to mash the chickpeas until smooth.

• Knife: Used to finely chop the onion and parsley, and to mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: A surface for chopping the onion, parsley, and garlic.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chickpeas and flour accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin, salt, and pepper.

• Frying pan: A pan used to heat the olive oil and fry the patties.

• Spatula: Used to flip the patties in the frying pan.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried patties.

• Plate: A dish to place the drained patties on before serving.

Use canned chickpeas: Save time by using canned chickpeas instead of cooking them from scratch. Just rinse and drain before mashing.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, and parsley ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to mix.

Batch fry: Form all the patties before you start frying. This way, you can fry them all at once and save time.

Use a food processor: Instead of mashing the chickpeas by hand, use a food processor to get a smoother consistency faster.