Broccoli Fritters Recipe – Crispy Chickpea & Cheese Patties

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Broccoli Fritters Recipe – Crispy Chickpea & Cheese Patties

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Broccoli Fritters are seriously addictive. I first stumbled upon a similar version at a local street food stall, and I knew I had to recreate them at home. They’re crispy, cheesy, and a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average fritters. They’re packed with flavour, have a wonderful texture – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – and are ready in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect as a snack, a starter, or even a light meal. Honestly, they disappear fast in my house! They’re also a brilliant way to use up leftover broccoli.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious fritters:

• 300 grams broccoli
• 1/3 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2 tsp chilli flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 & 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 tbsp oil, for frying

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure these fritters turn out perfectly:

• Chickpea Flour (Besan): This is the star of the show! Besan gives these fritters their lovely texture and a slightly nutty flavour. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, or even in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.
• Cheese Variations: Cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious.
• Chilli Flake Heat Level: I like a little kick, so I use a generous 2 teaspoons of chilli flakes. But if you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. Kashmiri chilli flakes will give you colour without too much heat.
• Broccoli: You want the broccoli to be tender but not mushy. Steaming or microwaving works great.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, boil or microwave your broccoli until it’s tender – about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain it really well and give it a good mash with a fork. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, a little texture is nice.
2. In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour, cornflour, chilli flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the water gradually, mixing until you have a thick batter. It should be thick enough to hold its shape.
3. Now for the fun part! Gently mix the mashed broccoli and grated cheese into the batter until everything is well combined.
4. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully shape the broccoli mixture into flattened patties – about 2-3 inches in diameter.
5. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Place the fried fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the fritters in batches to ensure they get nice and crispy.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters. If it’s not, they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• A little squeeze of lemon juice over the fritters right before serving brightens up the flavours beautifully.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the cheddar cheese for a vegan cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your chilli flakes are certified gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick.
• Kid-Friendly Version: My little nephew isn’t a fan of spice, so I leave out the chilli flakes and add a little grated carrot for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These fritters are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce! I love to serve them with:

• Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Mint Chutney: A classic Indian accompaniment.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce: For a sweet and spicy kick.

Storage Instructions

Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?

You can! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried fritters, but still delicious.

What other vegetables can I add to the fritters?

Get creative! Grated carrots, spinach, peas, or even cauliflower would all work well.

How can I make the batter less sticky?

Add a tablespoon of cornflour at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a splash of water to loosen it up before frying.

What is the best way to reheat leftover fritters?

I recommend reheating them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore some of their crispiness. You can also reheat them in a pan with a little oil.

Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!