Golden Chickpea and Mushroom Patties with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce

This recipe transforms simple chickpeas into flavorful and satisfying patties, enriched with a medley of vegetables and a light, airy texture from whipped egg whites. The patties are baked with a sprinkle of cheese and served with a refreshing Greek yogurt sauce, creating a balanced and delightful meal.

Preparation Time: 45 minutes (plus 8 hours soaking time)

  • This includes soaking the chickpeas, chopping vegetables, and preparing the mixtures.

Cook Time: 60 minutes

  • 30 minutes for frying the patties, and 30 minutes for baking.

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (plus soaking)

  • This includes all preparation and cooking time.

Ingredients:

For the Chickpea Patties:

  • 200 grams dried chickpeas
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 250 grams mushrooms, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 30 grams hard cheese, grated (cheddar, Parmesan, or similar)
  • Vegetable oil (for sautéing and frying)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Dill Yogurt Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas:

    • Rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water.
    • Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water.
    • Soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours or overnight.
    • Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
    • Place the chickpeas in a pot with fresh water and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.
    • Drain the cooked chickpeas and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • Finely chop the onion.
    • Finely grate the carrots using a box grater.
    • Mince the garlic cloves.
    • Clean and slice the mushrooms.
    • Chop the fresh parsley.
  3. Cook the Vegetables:

    • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the grated carrots and minced garlic, and cook until the carrots are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 7-10 minutes.
    • Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet and mix well.
    • Stir in the chopped parsley.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

    • Separate the eggs into yolks and whites, placing them in separate bowls.
    • In the bowl with the egg yolks, whisk in the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
    • In the separate bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  5. Combine and Cook:

    • Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the whites.
    • Add the chickpea and vegetable mixture to the egg mixture, folding gently until everything is well combined.
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
    • Spoon the chickpea mixture into the skillet, forming small patties.
    • Fry the patties on both sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
    • Cover the skillet with a lid during the last few minutes of frying to ensure the patties cook through.
  6. Bake:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
    • Transfer the fried patties to a baking dish.
    • Sprinkle the grated hard cheese over the patties.
    • Drizzle with olive oil.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Prepare the Dill Yogurt Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced garlic, and salt.
    • Mix well until smooth.
  8. Serve:

    • Serve the chickpea patties hot, drizzled with the dill yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 300-350
  • Protein: 15-18g
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Fiber: 8-10g

The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:

Chickpea patties, or falafel-like dishes, have roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, where chickpeas are a staple. This recipe adapts those traditional flavors and techniques, blending them with a modern approach to healthy eating. The addition of grated carrots, mushrooms, and a light, airy texture from whipped egg whites elevates the dish, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. The popularity of this recipe stems from its nutritional value, ease of customization, and the ability to cater to vegetarian and health-conscious diets. The use of a yogurt sauce also adds a fresh and modern touch.  

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a healthy and flavorful vegetarian meal.
  • It’s a great way to use chickpeas and vegetables.
  • The patties are light and airy, not dense.
  • The dill yogurt sauce adds a refreshing tang.

Health Benefits:

  • Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber.  
  • Carrots are rich in vitamin A.  
  • Mushrooms provide essential vitamins and minerals.  
  • Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and probiotics.  

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the patties with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
  • Serve them in pita bread with hummus and vegetables.
  • Enjoy them as a snack with the dill yogurt sauce.
  • Serve them as a main course with a side of quinoa or rice.

Tips:

  • Soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours for best results.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the patties.
  • Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture to maintain their volume.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

Variations to Try:

  • Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Use different cheeses for the topping.
  • Add spices like cumin or coriander to the patties.
  • Use plant-based yogurt for a vegan version.
  • Add breadcrumbs to the mixture for a firmer patty.

Conclusion:

These golden chickpea and mushroom patties with creamy dill yogurt sauce are a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple preparation and customizable flavors, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  • Can I use canned chickpeas?
    • Yes, canned chickpeas can be used. Rinse and drain them thoroughly.
  • Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
    • Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (360°F) for about 25-30 minutes.
  • Can I make the patties ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them.
  • How do I store leftover patties?
  • Can I freeze cooked patties?
    • Yes, you can freeze them. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Can I use milk instead of yogurt for the sauce?
    • Greek yogurt creates a thicker sauce.