Lemon Za’atar Chickpea Fritters with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These fritters are inspired by Middle Eastern falafel, but they’ve got a twist — bright lemon zest, earthy za’atar spice, and a creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce. They’re crispy, filling, and totally vegetarian. Ideal for meal prep, sandwiches, or snacking!

And the best part? No frying needed — these are baked until golden brown. Healthy and crunchy.

🛒 Ingredients

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Difficulty: Easy

For the Fritters:

• 1½ cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ small red onion
• Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp za’atar spice blend
• ¼ cup chopped parsley 🌿
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp oil for brushing

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

🍳 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Make the Fritter Mixture

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley.
2. Pulse until mostly smooth but still textured.
3. Add egg, flour, za’atar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pulse a few more times to combine.
5. Chill mixture for 10–15 minutes in the fridge.

🧆 Step 2: Shape & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a tray with parchment.
2. Scoop mixture into 8–10 small patties and flatten slightly.
3. Place on tray and brush lightly with olive oil.
4. Bake for 12–14 minutes, then flip and bake another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

🧄 Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
2. Chill until serving.

🥗 How to Serve

• In warm pita with tomatoes and arugula
• On a rice bowl with pickled onions
• As a snack with dipping sauce
• In a Mediterranean mezze platter

💡 Tips

• Add 1 tbsp tahini to the mix for extra richness
• Use oat flour or almond flour to make it gluten-free
• Za’atar spice mix can be store-bought or homemade (thyme, sesame, sumac, oregano)

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes! Shallow fry in a bit of oil 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

Q: Can I freeze the fritters?
Totally — freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven for 8–10 minutes at 375°F.

Q: What if I don’t have za’atar?
Use a mix of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac (or a squeeze of lemon for tang).