Rice and chickpea patties are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian snack or meal. A step-by-step guide on how to make these delicious patties:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Greek yogurt or tahini sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas.
- Finely chop the onion, garlic, and fresh parsley.
2. Mash the Chickpeas:
- In a large bowl, add the chickpeas and use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they are mostly smooth, with a few chunks remaining.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- To the mashed chickpeas, add the cooked rice, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix the Mixture:
- Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed in your hand. If it's too dry, you can add a little water. If it's too wet, you can add more breadcrumbs.
5. Shape the Patties:
- With your hands, form the mixture into patties or balls of your desired size. You can make them as large or small as you like.
6. Heat the Oil:
- In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the Patties:
- Carefully place the rice and chickpea patties in the hot oil. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the patties from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the rice and chickpea patties while they are hot and crispy. You can serve them with a side of Greek yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping if desired.
These rice and chickpea patties make a tasty and nutritious snack or light meal. They are versatile and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs. Enjoy!