Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re excited to share a recipe for Millet and Chickpea Patties—a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that are perfect as a vegetarian main course or a tasty side dish. These patties are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. Let’s get started!

Why Millet and Chickpeas?

Millet and chickpeas are both nutrient-dense ingredients that offer a host of health benefits. Millet is a gluten-free whole grain that’s rich in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Chickpeas, on the other hand, are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. Together, they create a balanced and satisfying dish that’s suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For these Millet and Chickpea Patties, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup millet
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or about 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Millet

1. Rinse the Millet: Place the millet in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any bitterness.
2. Cook the Millet: In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed millet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Patties

3. Mash the Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, with some chunks remaining.
4. Add Ingredients: To the mashed chickpeas, add the cooked millet, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
5. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

6. Cook on Stovetop: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed for the second batch.

Step 4: Serve

7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Tips and Variations

• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier cooking method, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together.
• Serving Ideas: Serve the Millet and Chickpea Patties as a main course with a side salad and yogurt sauce, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

These Millet and Chickpea Patties are not only delicious and satisfying but also a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your meals. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, these patties are sure to be a hit. Enjoy cooking and savoring this wholesome dish!