Chickpea meatballs - fasting

Chickpea Fritters - A Vegan Delight for Lent

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy, and quick recipe, chickpea fritters are the perfect choice! These wonderful snacks are not only ideal for fasting days, but they are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, rich in essential nutrients. Additionally, they are versatile and can be served in various ways, making them perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 250 g dried chickpeas
- 2 bunches green onions
- 1 head of garlic
- 50 g sesame seeds (to coat the fritters)
- 30 ml olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by Step

1. Preparing the chickpeas
The first step in making these chickpea fritters is to prepare the chickpeas. Soak them in cold water overnight. This process not only helps rehydrate the beans but also reduces cooking time. The next day, drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold running water.

2. Boiling the chickpeas
In a pot, add the chickpeas and cover them with fresh water. Boil for about an hour, or until they become soft. Check occasionally to ensure they do not dry out. Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and let them cool.

3. Preparing the ingredients
Meanwhile, clean the green onions and garlic. Finely chop the green onions, and the garlic can be minced using a blender or a garlic press. This step will help achieve a smooth paste, essential for the fritters.

4. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chickpea paste with the chopped green onions. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until the mixture becomes uniform. This mixture will form the base for your delicious fritters.

5. Shaping the fritters
Now comes the fun part! Using wet hands, shape the fritters into your desired size. Then, roll them in sesame seeds to achieve a delicious crust. This will not only add a pleasant flavor but also provide a crunchy texture on the outside.

6. Baking the fritters
Prepare a baking sheet greased with a little oil and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the fritters on the sheet, leaving some space between them, and drizzle with oil on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 40-50 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Serving
These chickpea fritters are excellent served warm, alongside a fresh tomato salad with bell peppers and green onions. You can also add a tzatziki sauce or a mint yogurt sauce for an even more intense flavor. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish, along with a portion of quinoa or rice.

Practical Tips
- If you don’t have time to soak the chickpeas overnight, you can use canned chickpeas, but make sure to rinse them well before use.
- Experiment with spices! You can add cumin, paprika, or herbs to customize the flavor of the fritters.
- If you want a spicier version, add some chopped chili peppers to the chickpea mixture.
- These fritters can be frozen! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer.

Nutritional Benefits
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Eating chickpeas can help maintain heart health, stabilize blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. These chickpea fritters are not only delicious but also healthy!

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, but it is recommended to rinse them well to remove excess salt and preservatives.

2. How can I make the fritters less oily?
You can reduce the amount of oil used or fry them in a non-stick pan with a little oil.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Chickpea fritters are already gluten-free, but make sure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Variations
- You can add grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini to the chickpea mixture for extra nutrients and moisture.
- Substitute sesame seeds with breadcrumbs or oats if you want a seed-free version.

So, do you have all the ingredients at hand? Don't hesitate! Chickpea fritters are a simple, quick, and delicious recipe that you can easily prepare. Invite your friends over for a meal or enjoy them alone in front of a good movie. Enjoy and bon appétit!