LENTIL, CHICKPEA AND POTATO FRIED CAKES WITH CHILLI
These crispy lentil, chickpea, and potato fried cakes are spiced with a hint of chili. A hearty vegetarian snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing or enjoying as comfort food.
INGREDIENTS
• 200 g cooked lentils (1 cup / 7 oz)
• 200 g cooked chickpeas, drained (1 cup / 7 oz)
• 250 g boiled potatoes, mashed (2 cups / 9 oz)
• 1 onion, finely diced (150 g / 5 oz)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin (5 g / 1 tsp)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (5 g / 1 tsp)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (2 g / ½ tsp, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (30 g / 2 tbsp)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 100 g breadcrumbs (1 cup / 3.5 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 500 ml / 2 cups)
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help patties hold together.
2. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
3. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
4. Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference — mild or fiery.
5. Serve with cooling dips like yogurt or tzatziki to balance the heat.
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine lentils, chickpeas, and mashed potatoes. Mash lightly to blend but keep some texture.
2. Add flavorings: Stir in onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Bind the mixture: Add beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Mix until firm enough to shape into patties.
4. Shape the cakes: Form the mixture into small round patties, about 2 cm (1 inch) thick.
5. Fry the cakes: Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 180°C / 350°F. Fry patties in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Arrange on a platter, garnish with extra parsley, and serve warm with dips of choice.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING, APPROX.)
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 8 g
DIETARY TAGS
• Vegetarian
• High-protein
• Comfort food
• Snack / appetizer
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
• Contains eggs (binder)
• Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)