Chickpea Fritters with Roasted Carrots, Cabbage Salad & Pita Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Introduction
Chickpea fritters, paired with roasted carrots, cabbage salad, and crispy pita chips, create a mouthwatering, nutritious meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of chickpeas with a satisfying crunch from the fritters and pita chips, balanced by the freshness of a tangy cabbage salad and the sweetness of roasted carrots. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
In this detailed recipe, you will learn how to make crispy chickpea fritters, how to roast carrots to perfection, prepare a zesty cabbage salad, and make homemade pita chips that add an extra level of crunch. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish both satisfying and energizing!
Recipe Breakdown:
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chickpea Fritters:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Roasted Carrots:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Cabbage Salad:
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
For the Pita Chips:
- 2 pita bread, cut into triangles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chickpea Fritters:
- Mash the Chickpeas: In a large bowl, mash the drained chickpeas using a potato masher or a fork. Leave some chunks for texture.
- Add Ingredients: To the mashed chickpeas, add flour, tahini, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more flour to achieve a thick consistency.
- Shape the Fritters: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and form small patties or fritters with your hands. Make sure the fritters are evenly shaped to cook consistently.
- Fry the Fritters: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Roast the Carrots:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Carrots: Toss the carrot sticks in olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the Carrots: Roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
3. Prepare the Cabbage Salad:
- Shred the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage and carrot.
- Season the Salad: Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper over the salad. Toss well to combine.
- Garnish: Add sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or parsley for extra flavor and texture.
4. Make Pita Chips:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Pita Bread: Cut the pita bread into triangles. Brush each triangle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano or thyme and salt.
- Bake the Pita Chips: Arrange the pita triangles on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
Assembly:
To serve, arrange the chickpea fritters on a plate alongside the roasted carrots and the cabbage salad. Add a side of crispy pita chips for a crunchy addition. Garnish with fresh herbs as desired and enjoy!