Southern Fried Chickpea Patties Recipes

FRIED CHICKPEAS WITH SAGE AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Rinse the chickpeas and drain them very well. Line a baking sheet with a couple layers of paper towels and turn the chickpeas out on top in a single layer. Let the chickpeas dry thoroughly, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours (the drier the better).
• Fill a medium pot with vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches. Bring the oil to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until a shade darker and crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Add half of the chickpeas to the oil and fry, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Return the oil to 350 degrees F and repeat with the remaining chickpeas. Cool completely.
• Gently toss together the fried chickpeas and sage, the Parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.

SOUTHERN-FRIED CHICKPEA PATTIES

Steps:

• Place the beans in a bowl and add enough water to cover by a few inches. Soak for at least 6 hours at room temperature. (If your kitchen is very warm, you may want to place the chickpeas in the refrigerator to minimize the chances of fermentation.) Drain and set aside; you now have about 2 1⁄2 cups of soaked chickpeas. Using a food processor or stand blender, pulverize the chickpeas using the "pulse" function, until the beans form a paste that sticks together when you squeeze it in your hand. Be careful not to overprocess; too smooth and the batter will fall apart when cooking. Add the remaining ingredients (except the oil) and process, using the "pulse" function about 12 times. Using a scant 1/3-cup measure, shape the batter into patties and place on a plate. Cover the patties with parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a shallow 12-inch skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil over medium-high heat. Gently place the patties into the hot oil in small batches (don't crowd the pan) and fry the first side until golden brown and slightly crusty, 2 to 3 minutes. Gently turn onto the second side and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a baking tray to finish cooking in the oven until the patties slightly firm up and dry out, about 7 minutes. To keep the patties warm without further cooking, lower the oven temperature to 225 degrees. Serve by itself or on a warmed bun with barbecue sauce or caramelized onions. Makes seven or eight patties. - From "The Meat Lover's Meatless Celebrations: Year-Round Vegetarian Feasts (You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into)" (Da Capo, $18.99) by Kim O'Donnel

FALAFEL: CHICKPEA PATTIES

Steps:

• Make the Falafel: Soak the chickpeas in cold water in the refrigerator overnight.
• Drain the chickpeas and place them with the onion in the bowl of a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the oil. Mix well. Process the mixture a second time. Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls and deep-fry or pan-fry in hot oil.
• Make the Sandwiches: Stuff the pitas with lettuce and nestle the falafel patties inside. Top with the rest of the ingredients and drizzle with the tahini sauce. Serve immediately.
• Mash the garlic and salt together. Add the tahini, mixing well. The sauce will thicken. Gradually add the water, blending thoroughly. Then add the lemon juice. Blend well.
• Note: This can be a thin or thick sauce, depending upon the use and preference. Simply adjust with lemon juice and water. This can be used with vegetables or in combination with other recipes.

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roll in flour.
• Add 1/2 to 3/4 inch oil to a large, heavy skillet. Heat to approximately 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Place chicken pieces in hot oil. Cover, and fry until golden, turning once, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

CHICKPEA PATTIES

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine scallions, carrot, cilantro, parsley, cumin, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper; process until finely chopped. Add potatoes and chickpeas; pulse until just combined (mixture should be stiff). Shape into eight 2-inch patties.
• Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties; reduce heat to medium, and cook until golden brown and heated through, 5 to 6 minutes per side.
• Transfer patties to a platter, and serve with garnishes, as desired.

FRIED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• To a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add enough olive oil to reach a depth of 1/2 inch. Meanwhile, dry chickpeas thoroughly using paper towels.
• Slowly add chickpeas to oil, being careful as they may splatter. Fry chickpeas, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Season with salt and pimento, if desired. Let cool completely, and store in an airtight container.