Flavorful Cajun Chickpea Cakes Recipe
Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts. Today, I am excited to share with you my latest creation – Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cakes. This delicious vegan recipe is a great alternative to traditional crab cakes and meaty burgers, making it a perfect meal option for Meatless Mondays or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from my vegan dad who always challenged me to find creative ways to incorporate plant-based protein into my meals. With this in mind, I set out to make a scrumptious vegan crispy chickpea burger recipe that would hit the spot and satisfy any carnivorous cravings. And let me tell you, these chickpea cakes surpass any expectations – they’re downright drool-worthy.
These Cajun chickpea cakes don’t compromise on flavor or texture. They are delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with spicy Cajun flavors from cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. And the best part? The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re a committed vegan, trying to eat healthily, or simply enjoy a tasty meal, these chickpea cakes are sure to impress. So bust out some hot sauce and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why you’ll adore this crispy cajun chickpea cake recipe. Not only is it packed with protein and essential nutrients, but it’s also incredibly tasty and easy to make. Whether you’re a vegan dad or a meatless Monday enthusiast, this recipe promises to please everyone.
Are you tired of unhealthy snacking habits? Well, look no further! These cakes are made with wholesome ingredients like fresh parsley, celery, green pepper, and sweet potato chickpea. They’re the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings without veering off track from your health goals.
Additionally, these spicy cakes offer a fun twist on traditional veggie burgers. You won’t even miss the animal products because the Cajun spice blend kicks up the flavor so many notches. The best part? They actually crisp up in a frying pan for that perfect crunch.
This recipe offers versatility too. Switch out the chickpeas for quinoa or corn patties to mix it up. Pair them with a lemon dill remoulade or spicy cajun quinoa for a meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest critics.
All in all, this recipe will make your taste buds tingle, give you peace of mind about the health benefits, and allows for plenty of variations to fit different tastes and preferences. So go ahead and indulge in some vegan crispy cajun chickpea cakes – healthy eating has never tasted so good!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delicious Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cakes:
Dry Ingredients:
1 cupall-purpose flour1/4 cupcornstarch1 tspcayenne pepper1 tbsppaprika1 tspdried thyme
Wet Ingredients:
2 cans (15 oz each)chickpeas, drained and rinsed1/2 cupdiced onion1/3 cupdiced green pepper1/3 cupdiced celery1/4 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water)
1 tspdijon mustard
Optional Add-ins:
1/2 cupsweet potato, cooked and mashed
Note: For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper. And for a slightly sweeter taste, try incorporating the optional sweet potato into the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients and tools you need, let’s start making these crispy Cajun chickpea cakes!
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables. In a food processor or a blender, pulse 1 cup of diced onion, 1 cup of diced green pepper, and 1 cup of diced celery until finely chopped.
Step 2: Mix Well
In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed vegetables with 2 tsp of Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp of dried thyme, 1 tsp of paprika, ½ tsp of cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse 2 cans (15 oz each) of chickpeas. Place them in a separate mixing bowl and use a fork or potato masher to mash them until you have a mixture with some texture, but no whole chickpeas are left.
Add the mashed chickpea mixture to the seasoning mix.
Step 4: Add Flour and Cornstarch
Sprinkle over the top ½ cup of flour and ½ cup cornstarch. Mix well to combine all ingredients together.
Step 5: Chill in the Refrigerator
Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes, so it can firm up.
Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying
In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat enough oil to reach about 1 inch deep over medium-high heat.
Step 7: Make Patties and Fry Them Up!
Once the mixture has chilled long enough, remove it from the fridge. Using your hands or an ice cream scoop, form about 16-18 patties, about â…“ cup each.
When your oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the patties in the frying pan with enough space around each one to flip them easily. Fry them for about 3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Transfer them onto paper towels to soak up any excess oil before serving.
Now it’s time to serve some delicious crispy Cajun chickpea cakes!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch it up and try something new with your crispy cajun chickpea cakes? Consider these substitutions and variations to add a different twist to this delicious recipe.
For those who want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can replace the flour with rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can also substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
To make your chickpea cakes spicy, add additional cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your liking. For a milder taste, use less cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
If you’re looking for an added crunch, try mixing in some additional vegetables such as shredded carrots or zucchini. These veggies will also add some extra nutrition to your dish.
For an added burst of flavor, try incorporating different herbs and spices such as cilantro or smoked paprika.
If you don’t have access to fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the fresh herb will give your dish a much stronger and fresher taste.
Lastly, if you’re not a fan of frying your food, opt for baking your chickpea cakes in the oven instead. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
With these substitutions and variations, you can make this recipe truly unique and catered to your specific taste preference.
Serving and Pairing
Serving these crispy Cajun chickpea cakes is a breeze, and the possibilities for pairing them with other foods are endless. These cakes are vegan and packed with flavor, so they are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, side dish or even a main course.
When serving them as an appetizer, you can prepare the cakes a little smaller to ensure that everyone gets a chance to try them before they fly off the plate. These crispy chickpea patties will be a fantastic starter that will whet your guests’ appetite for more.
As a side dish, these cakes are tasty and will complement whatever other vegetables, grains or proteins you have on your plate. You can also use them instead of croutons in your soup for added texture, flavor and nutrition.
For a main course, serve up two or three of these cakes on their own, or nestled between two slices of crusty bread to create a chickpea burger. Alternatively, you can pair them with cajun quinoa or sweet potato wedges to add an extra kick to your meal. You can even pair the cakes with lemon dill remoulade, which makes the perfect dipping sauce that perfectly complements its spicy cajun flavors.
Overall, these cakes are versatile and delicious – whether you’re looking for healthy snacks or healthy eating ideas for Meatless Mondays, this recipe has got you covered!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the benefits of this recipe is that you can make the Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cakes ahead of time, store them properly and reheat them later whenever you want to. This makes it an ideal option for meal prep or as a fuss-free quick meal solution. Here are some helpful tips for storing and reheating your vegan chickpea cakes:
Make-Ahead:
After you have shaped the chickpea cakes, place them on a lined baking sheet and put them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Once the cakes are set, you may stack them in layers separated by parchment paper in a container with a tight-fitting lid. You can make these up to three days ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Storing:
Store leftover chickpea cakes in an airtight container or a gallon-sized freezer bag with all the air squeezed out before sealing. They should last for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
To reheat, gently heat up in the toaster oven, regular oven or air fryer. In the toaster oven, preheat to 350°F for about 5-8 minutes or until hot and crispy. In the regular oven, preheat to 375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes or until hot and crispy. If using an air fryer, preheat to 370°F and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.
Quick tip: Avoid reheating chickpea cakes in the microwave as they may become soggy.
With these simple instructions on how to make-ahead, store and reheat your Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cakes, it’s easier than ever to enjoy healthy vegan meals anytime throughout the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
Are you ready to make some crispy Cajun chickpea cakes that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your chickpea cakes turn out perfectly every time.
Firstly, one of the essential steps in creating crispy chickpea cakes is to make sure that the mixture adheres correctly. When mixing the flour and cornstarch into the chickpea mixture, be sure to mix it well, so that every chickpea is coated evenly. A clumpy batter may lead to the coating coming off during the frying process.
Flipping the chickpea cakes carefully during cooking is another crucial step in ensuring a perfect texture. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs when turning over the cakes, being gentle as they can fall apart easily.
Additionally, using a non-stick frying pan will come in handy for making sure that your chickpea cakes do not stick and break apart during cooking. If you do not have a non-stick pan, brush some oil onto it before commencing frying.
If you’re looking to reduce oil intake or do not have any oil on-hand, try baking instead of frying the chickpea cakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Lastly, after preparing your chickepa cakes recipe, consider freezing them for later use or tasty meal preps as they keep well and are delicious reheated. Simply place them flat in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to two months.
With these tips, you’re sure to impress everyone with your crispy Cajun chickpea cakes!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for crispy Cajun chickpea cakes is the perfect addition to your Meatless Monday meals, or as a healthy snack option any day of the week. With its crunchy exterior and flavorful spiced chickpea filling, it’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger cravings.
Plus, this recipe is easily customizable and can be adapted to fit any dietary restrictions or personal preferences. You can experiment with different variations, such as adding in sweet potatoes or substituting quinoa for the chickpeas.
So why not give these vegan chickpea cakes a try? They are an easy vegan alternative to crab cakes or other meat-based patties that even non-vegans will enjoy. Trust me on this, once you get a bite of these crispy cajun chickpea cakes you won’t miss the meat.
With simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for novice cooks or seasoned chefs alike. You’ll be able to whip these up in no time and add some variety to your weekly meal plan.
So go ahead and try out this recipe today! You won’t regret it.
Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cakes (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- salt and pepper
- oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Saute onion, green pepper, and celery for 5-7 mins, until softened. Remove from heat.
- Place chickpeas in a food processor along with the onion mixture. Pulse until chickpeas are no longer whole, but don't process them too much. Place chickpeas in a bowl and add spices, hot sauce, and parsley. Mix well. Add flour and cornstarch and mix well. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over med/med-hi heat (around 350 degrees). Shape chickpea mixture into 12 patties and fry in batches, about 2-3 mins per side, or until crispy and browned. Flip a few times if they are browning too quickly.
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.