If you like spicy, flavor packed and deliciously crispy veggie patties then this is the recipe you’ve been looking for. These spicy chickpea veggie cakes are loaded with all the flavors you could ever want. Think savory chickpea cakes filled with fresh basil, zesty lemon, chili flakes and loaded with plant based protein. They’re deliciously golden and crispy on the outside and so packed full of fresh and spicy tastes. I adore how the chickpeas work together with the fresh basil and lemon zest to give the patties a mediterranean freshness.

Chickpeas is a stable in my kitchen – I would happily eat it every day and I’m always trying to come up with new recipes where I can use them. It’s one of those amazing veggies (or legumes, if I have to get technical) that are so versatile. Whether cooked to be golden and crispy in the oven or made into creamy hummus, it seems chickpeas can do everything. So, of course, it’s no wonder that the chickpeas are the main star of this recipe.
It creates the foundation that binds together all the spices and gives these patties their amazing texture.

Getting the texture right

This recipe delivers delicious, firm and savory vegetarian patties every time. If for some reason the chickpea mixture becomes too wet (which may happen if I over blend the chickpeas and they become too creamy and hummus like) there’s an easy fix. Just add a little extra rolled oats or a mix in a little bread crumbs. It will soak up the moisture and help bind everything together.
Because we all want that rich taste and firm texture, especially if we’re using these patties in burgers.

What’s great about this recipe:

Very easy to make
Full of flavorful veggies and savory spices
Golden and crispy on the outside
Vegetarian – but can easily be made vegan and Gluten free
Amazing plant based patties that works in burgers or as a side to salads

Vegan spicy chickpea veggie patties

This recipe is very easy to make vegan. Just replace the eggs with flax eggs and you’re good to go. You could also add a little bit of grated vegan cheese to bind everything together. It’s so good, cheesy and makes these patties extra crispy.

Gluten free version

These Spicy chickpea veggie patties can easily be made in a gluten free version. First way is also the simplest, just use gluten free rolled oats and gluten free bread crumbs. Second option is to replace the rolled oats with a rice flour or almond flour and use finely chopped almonds instead of bread crumbs. Both options work great and gives lots of crispiness and texture.

How to serve

I like to eat these Spicy Chickpea Veggie Cakes in all manner of ways. If I’m in a rush (or so greedy and hungry that I can’t wait to make a burger) I serve them with a spicy salsa dip or a cooling coconut/lime yogurt dressing. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as dipping food in a dressing and eating it just as is.
If I have more time (and by time, I mean I’m not starving), I like to serve these patties in a burger topped with sliced tomatoes, avocado, a few slices of red onions, BBQ Sauce, Mayonnaise and cilantro. It’s so incredibly good, you may need to join a food addict support group after consumption.
I also like to grill these veggie cakes in the summer and serve with a fresh fruit salsa and couscous salad.

How are these Spicy Chickpea Veggie Cakes made? It’s so easy:

Put the drained chickpeas, rolled oats, peas, diced peppers, garlic powder, salt, chili flakes and chopped fresh basil into a food processor. Chop until the chickpeas are chopped well, but still retain some texture (they shouldn’t be creamy).
Next, scoop the mixture into a large mixing bowl and mix in the egg. Stir until everything is combined and leave it to rest for 5 minutes.
Use two spoons to scoop the chickpea mixture into 4 big veggie burgers and use your hands to shape them into patties.
In a wide bowl, mix together bread crumbs with a pinch of salt and lemon zest.
Dip the patties into the bread crumbs, making sure all sides are covered.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet and cook the patties at medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the patties are golden.
Serve with a side of salad, baked potatoes or in a burger.

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