Craving a juicy, flavorful chicken patty but want to keep things vegetarian? This recipe delivers all the satisfying texture and taste you love, without the meat! These vegetarian chicken patties are surprisingly simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a delicious and healthy meal that's both easy on your time and your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Mash the Chickpeas: In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork until mostly smooth but still with some texture. Don't over-mash; a little chunkiness adds to the patty's appeal.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa (or rice), sautéed vegetables, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and breadcrumbs to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well to combine.
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Bind the Mixture: Gently stir in the egg (or flax egg - 1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water). Season with salt to taste.
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Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
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Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil or cooking spray in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Chicken Patties:
- Don't over-mash the chickpeas: Leaving some texture adds a nice bite to the patties.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier crust.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat!
- For extra flavor: Marinate the patties for 30 minutes before cooking in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Make it ahead: These patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Experiment with other finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the patties during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve it differently: These patties are delicious served in buns as burgers, on a bed of greens as a salad topping, or alongside your favorite sides.
Nutritional Information (per patty, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7 grams
These vegetarian chicken patties are a fantastic example of healthy, easy recipes and delicious dishes that are perfect for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying homemade meal. Enjoy!