Name: Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: Chickpea Patties; 12 oz canned chickpeas, drained; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp sea salt; 2 green onions, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free); 1 egg; ¼ cup grapeseed oil (or neutral oil for frying); Yogurt Sauce; ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream); 1 tbsp lemon juice (from ½ lemon); 2 tbsp fresh dill, minced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp sea salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties are a vegetarian delight. Protein-rich and quick to prepare, they pair beautifully with a tangy dill yogurt sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a burger filling, these patties bring Mediterranean freshness to your table in just 20 minutes.

Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chickpea patties are not only packed with protein, but they’re also light, flavorful, and crispy on the outside while soft and tender on the inside. The combination of cumin, garlic, and lemon gives them a vibrant taste, while the dill yogurt sauce adds a refreshing, creamy contrast. Ideal for quick meals, meal prep, or impressing guests, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Tip: you’ll find full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

12 oz canned chickpeas, drained
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
2 green onions, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
1 egg
1/4 cup grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil, for frying)

For the Yogurt Sauce

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
2 tbsp fresh dill, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain the chickpeas and pat them dry. Mash in a large bowl until coarse but still textured.
Make the Patties Mixture: Add cumin, black pepper, sea salt, green onions, garlic, flour, and egg to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well and knead into a dough-like consistency.
Cook the Patties: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the mixture, shape into patties, and place in the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Transfer cooked patties to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, and sea salt. Chill until serving.
Serve: Plate the patties warm alongside the yogurt sauce. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or served in a bun as a veggie burger.

Variations

Make them vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Swap the dill in the yogurt sauce for mint or parsley for a different herb flavor.
Add finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the patty mixture for extra vegetables.
Serve with pita bread and fresh cucumber-tomato salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Heating and Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy. The yogurt sauce can be kept chilled separately for up to 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.

Can I use canned white beans instead of chickpeas?

You can, though the texture will be slightly softer. Chickpeas provide the ideal consistency.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, form the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Are these gluten-free?

If you use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour, the patties are gluten-free.

Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and chill it for up to 2 days—flavors actually develop further over time.

Can I freeze the patties?

Yes, freeze cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or skillet.

Can I make these patties smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust the portion size depending on your serving needs. Smaller patties make great appetizers.

Can I skip the egg?

You can try a flax egg or a little mashed potato as a binder, though the egg helps hold the patties together best.

What oil works best for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like grapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil, are ideal.

Can I serve these with other sauces?

Yes, tzatziki, hummus, or a spicy harissa yogurt sauce also pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce are crispy, flavorful, and packed with protein, making them an easy go-to for quick meals or snacks. The tangy dill yogurt sauce perfectly balances the savory patties, creating a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.