Easy Toddler Meal: Chickpea Patties

Whenever we share ideas for easy toddler meals, the posts are quite popular with our readers—because if you can find quick, nutritious foods that toddlers will eat, we’re golden, right? But, chickpea patties?

Here’s the thing about feeding the under four set: they’re typically a tough crowd. One day they like something, the next they don’t. Picky palates start making a regular dinnertime appearance, and getting them to sit at the table for longer than three minutes can sometime seem impossible. It’s not easy trying to guess what menu items are going to be well received, but in my experience, finger foods are always a popular option.

So, for those who like to eat with their hands, these chickpea patties are an excellent option. They can be tucked into a pita and topped with tzatziki for the adults or older children in the house. They are a protein-dense alternative for the meat-haters in the family, and they come together in less time than it would take to order a pizza. Feel free to use regular sweet onion in place of the green, and swap the spice with cumin or paprika if rosemary is not to your taste.

Chickpea Patties Recipe

You’ll Need

1 can chickpeas (19 oz), drained and rinsed
½ cup green onions, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp minced rosemary leaves
¾ tsp sea salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup breadcrumbs
Canola oil for shallow frying

Prep and Cook

1

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, green onion, garlic, rosemary, sea salt, lemon zest, lemon juice and egg. Pulse a few times to chop the green onions and garlic. Add the flour and breadcrumbs and mix well.
2

Using damp hands shape the wet mixture into 14 small round patties (about 2-3 inches in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes to help them firm up for frying.
3

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet until hot and cook the chickpea patties (you may need to do this in batches) over medium heat until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove the excess oil and serve warm.