Got Canned Chickpeas? Make these CRISPY Chickpea Nuggets

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Ground oats provide a healthier option with more fiber.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds nutrients while all-purpose is more economical.

lemon juice

🥗Healthier: lime juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar can be a cost-effective acidic alternative.

Drain one can of chickpeas into a colander and rinse under water.

Transfer the chickpeas into a large bowl and mash them using a potato masher or a large fork until well mashed.

In a separate bowl, crack one large egg and whisk it, then pour it over the mashed chickpeas.

Add 1/4 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp of milk, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1/2 tsp of sweet smoked Spanish paprika to the chickpeas.

Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then mix until well combined.

Push down on the mixture until it has a paste-like texture to ensure all ingredients are well bound together.

Grab a spoonful of the mixture, squeeze it in your hands to ensure it's bound, and shape it into an oval patty about 1 cm thick.

If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add whisked egg.

Place the shaped nuggets on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and season with sea salt and black pepper.

In another bowl, crack 2 eggs and whisk them together.

In a third bowl, add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 1/2 cup of sunflower oil.

Coat each nugget in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated at each stage.

If nuggets break apart while breading, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden.

Once the oil is hot, add the nuggets in a single layer, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Fry the nuggets for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Transfer the cooked nuggets to a wire rack with paper towels underneath to drain excess oil.

Once all nuggets are fried, transfer some to a serving dish and serve with your favorite sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens