Name: Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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); 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 7 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels both hearty and fresh all at once. The zing of lemon combined with the earthiness of chickpeas and the creaminess of the yogurt sauce makes it a total crowd pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests during a weekend brunch, these patties fit the bill perfectly.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple the ingredients come together to create big Mediterranean flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. I love that you can whip it up with pantry staples but end up with something that tastes restaurant-quality. Trust me, once you try the Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for easy, flavorful vegetarian meals.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture: Mashing the chickpeas just right gives patties that ideal balance between crispy outside and tender inside.
Bright Flavors: Fresh lemon juice and dill brighten up the chickpeas, making them feel light and zesty.
Simple Yet Flavorful Sauce: The garlic yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang without overpowering the patties.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap herbs or flour to suit your dietary needs without losing any flavor.

The dish shows seven round golden-brown patties with a slightly rough texture, each topped with a small dollop of white sauce and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The patties are stacked unevenly on a white plate, with two lemon wedges placed at the back. To the right side of the plate, there is a small bowl filled with more white sauce also sprinkled with green herbs. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe plays a special role — from flavor to texture, and a few hold the secret to keeping it gluten-free or vegetarian-friendly. Here’s the scoop on what’s important and how to choose the best versions.

Chickpeas: The main protein and fiber-rich base, canned chickpeas make this recipe super convenient without sacrificing taste.
Ground cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes that are signature to Mediterranean dishes.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat that balances the citrus.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors — don’t skip or skimp here!
Green onions: Provide crunchy freshness and mild onion flavor without overwhelming.
Garlic: Minced garlic amps up the savory depth in both the patties and the sauce.
All-purpose or chickpea flour: Binds the patties together; chickpea flour is a great gluten-free alternative.
Egg: Helps hold everything together — if you want vegan, I recommend flax egg substitutes.
Grapeseed oil: Neutral oil ideal for frying so the flavors shine.
Greek yogurt: Tangy and creamy base for the sauce; use full fat for richness.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright pop that lifts the whole dish.
Fresh dill: Classic herb that complements lemon and chickpeas beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about the Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your preferences or whatever’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy to experiment with herbs or spices to make it truly your own.

Variation: I once swapped dill with fresh mint and parsley, which gave the patties a refreshing twist perfect for summer evenings.
Gluten-Free Option: Using chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour worked perfectly without changing the texture much.
Vegan Adaptation: I recommend replacing the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and using vegan yogurt to keep it plant-based.
Spice Boost: For a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the mix—it adds warmth without overpowering the lemony base.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chickpeas and Mash Them Right

Drain your canned chickpeas really well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This is key because excess moisture can make the patties soggy. Then, transfer them to a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher — you want a coarse, chunky texture, not a smooth puree. Think roughly mashed, so you get pockets of whole chickpeas that add great texture when fried.

Step 2: Mix in Your Flavor Boosters and Binder

Next, add the ground cumin, black pepper, sea salt, minced green onions, and garlic to the chickpeas. Sprinkle the flour over the top, then crack in the egg. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until it starts to hold together into a dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—you want it pliable but not dry.

Step 3: Heat Your Oil and Shape Your Patties

Pour grapeseed oil into a frying pan and warm it over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, scoop about 3 tablespoons of your chickpea mixture and shape it into small, flat patties with your hands. Don’t pack them too tightly—keep them light so they’re tender inside but crisp outside. When the oil is hot enough (test by dropping a tiny bit of batter in—it should sizzle immediately), carefully place the patties in the pan without overcrowding.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crisp

Cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. You’ll want to flip carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking them. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a wire rack rather than paper towels—this keeps them crispy all around instead of steaming on soggy paper.

Step 5: Whip Up the Simple Yogurt Sauce

While your patties are frying, mix together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and sea salt in a small bowl. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This sauce is the perfect tangy, herby partner for the chickpea patties, tying all those flavors together.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve the Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe warm right out of the pan with a dollop or drizzle of the yogurt sauce. Trust me, that contrast of hot patties and cool sauce is irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Dry Chickpeas Well: I learned the hard way that drying chickpeas thoroughly stops the patties from becoming mushy while frying.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined ensures you keep some texture rather than a paste-like batter.
Use a Wire Rack to Drain: I always transfer to a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness on all sides.
Adjust Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at medium-high means golden patties without greasy, undercooked centers.

How to Serve Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping the patties with a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley for extra color and freshness. A little lemon zest grated on top adds a citrusy pop that makes the dish look and taste like it’s straight from a Mediterranean kitchen.

Side Dishes

Pair these patties with a simple Greek salad, some warm pita bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. When I serve these for lunch, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a drizzle of olive oil is my absolute favorite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served these Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe stacked on a platter with colorful veggies and small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. It’s perfect for gatherings where guests can serve themselves easily and makes the spread look vibrant and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to eat them within 3 days. Keeping them separated with parchment paper helps prevent sticking—a little trick I picked up to save the first batch from becoming one big crispy chickpea clump.

Freezing

These patties freeze well! I flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag so they don’t stick together. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the oven.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, I reheat leftover patties in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving makes them softer and less exciting, so I save that for last-resort situations.

FAQs

Can I make the Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based yogurt for the sauce. The patties hold together well and still deliver fantastic flavor.
What if I don’t have grapeseed oil?

You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil if frying at high heat because it can burn and affect the flavor.
Can I bake these patties instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a great option for a lighter version! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still tasty and quicker cleanup!
How do I prevent patties from falling apart?

Make sure your chickpea mixture is not too wet and use the right amount of flour and an egg to bind it well. Also, let the patties form a golden crust before flipping to hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce Recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight staples — quick to put together and loaded with bright, wholesome flavors. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do, whether for a simple family meal or a fun entry at your next potluck. Give it a try and see how a few pantry ingredients turn into something truly delicious and satisfying!