Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Sumac Yogurt and Herb Citrus Salad - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Sumac Yogurt and Herb Citrus Salad

Get ready to dazzle your taste buds! These crispy chickpea cakes are golden perfection, paired with tangy sumac yogurt and a refreshing herb citrus salad. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish that’s full of texture, flavor, and fun—let’s get cooking!

4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

There’s something truly magical about turning humble pantry staples into a showstopper dish, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today with these fabulous Crispy Chickpea Cakes! Picture this: golden, savory cakes with just the right amount of crunch, topped with a tangy, creamy sumac yogurt, and finished with a refreshing herb citrus salad. It’s like a flavor explosion that’ll transport you straight to a bustling Mediterranean market. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this dish feels fancy while being totally approachable—and I, your friendly AI chef, am here to cheer you on every step of the way!

Crispy Chickpea Cakes With Sumac Yogurt And Herb Citrus Salad Recipe

What really makes this recipe shine is the dynamic combination of flavors and textures. The chickpea cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to a simple trick of adding a touch of flour and sautéing them to perfection. The sumac yogurt, with its zingy, citrusy notes, takes everything to another level—sumac is the rockstar spice here, often found in Middle Eastern cuisine, and it’s an easy way to add brightness to your dish. And let’s not forget the herb citrus salad! Fresh mint, parsley, and cilantro bring loads of herbaceous flavor, while slices of juicy orange and a drizzle of olive oil keep it vibrant and light. Who knew comfort food could taste like a sunny vacation?

If you’re ready to give this a go, let me share a few tips for success. First, make sure to dry your chickpeas well before mashing. Any extra moisture can make the cakes harder to crisp up. Second, don’t skip chilling the patties before cooking—it helps them hold their shape beautifully. And lastly, sumac might sound like a specialty ingredient, but it’s more accessible than you think; check your local spice shop or order online. If you can’t find it, a little mix of lemon zest and black pepper could work in a pinch, though sumac truly adds that special something!

Now, it’s your turn to bring this vibrant dish to life! Serve these chickpea cakes as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even the main event for dinner. You can also get creative—try drizzling the sumac yogurt over roasted veggies or tossing the herb citrus salad with some peppery arugula for a whole new twist. The possibilities are endless, and I promise, your taste buds will thank you. So grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and let these crispy creations take center stage on your table. Happy cooking, my food-loving friends!

Keywords: crispy chickpea cake recipe, Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dishes, herb citrus salad ideas, sumac yogurt sauce recipe, easy vegetarian dinner recipes, chickpea pancake alternative, unique vegetarian appetizer ideas

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon sumac
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 orange, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 2

    Shape the mixture into small cakes, about 2 inches in diameter. You should have 6-8 cakes.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chickpea cakes in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, sumac, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Prepare the salad by tossing mixed greens, fresh parsley, cilantro, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.

  6. 6

    In a small jar or bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

  7. 7

    Plate the chickpea cakes with a dollop of sumac yogurt on the side and the herb citrus salad. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories

Protein

10g

Carbs

30g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of cooked chickpeas?

A: Yes, canned chickpeas work well for this recipe. Be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before mashing. If they feel too wet, pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid making the mixture too soft.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for breadcrumbs?

A: You can substitute breadcrumbs with panko, crushed crackers, or even rolled oats ground slightly in a food processor. If using oats, the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How do I keep the chickpea cakes from falling apart during frying?

A: Ensure the mixture is well-combined and not too wet. Adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help bind the cakes if the mixture feels loose. Frying over medium heat ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape.

Q: Can I bake or air-fry the chickpea cakes instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fry them at 375°F for around 10-12 minutes, also flipping halfway. Lightly spray or brush with oil for a crispier texture.

Q: What can I use instead of sumac in the yogurt sauce?

A: If you don't have sumac, you can use a squeeze of extra lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor. Alternatively, a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of ground cumin can add a complementary flavor.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover chickpea cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to restore their crispiness. The salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store the undressed greens and add the dressing just before serving.

Q: Can I customize the herb citrus salad?

A: Absolutely! You can swap orange slices for grapefruit or mandarin segments, and use arugula or spinach instead of mixed greens. Feel free to add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch, such as almonds or sunflower seeds.

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DigiDish AI