Israeli Chickpea and Tahini Fritters (Sergei)
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory fritters are made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, herbs, and spices, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Canned chickpeas(drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup Tahini
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 2 stalks Green onion(thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- for frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a food processor, pulse the drained chickpeas until coarsely chopped. Do not over-process into a paste.
💡 Tip: Leaving some texture in the chickpeas provides a better mouthfeel. - 2
Add tahini, chopped parsley, cilantro, green onions, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse until just combined.
💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing, which can make the fritters tough. - 3
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the 1/4 cup of flour until the mixture holds together. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon more flour at a time.
💡 Tip: The consistency should be firm enough to shape into patties. - 4
Form the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Lightly dust each fritter with a little extra flour.
- 5
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
💡 Tip: Test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture in; it should sizzle immediately. - 6
Carefully place fritters in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
⏱️ 8 minutes💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters. - 7
Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best crispiness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure chickpeas are well-drained to avoid a soggy mixture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓These fritters are delicious served with tahini sauce, yogurt dip, or a squeeze of lemon.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely grated zucchini to the mixture for added moisture and nutrients.
- Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Serve in pita bread with salad for a light sandwich.