
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)

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
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
Shape the mixture into small cakes, about 2 inches in diameter. You should have 6-8 cakes.
- 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
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, sumac, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- 5
Prepare the salad by tossing mixed greens, fresh parsley, cilantro, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
- 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
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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