Tuna and Chickpea Patties

Written by
Syrie Wongkaew
Sydney-based food writer, editor, photographer, and food stylist with a focus on Australian and Thai cuisine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Syrie Wongkaew
Updated 09/11/19
Tuna and Chickpea Patties
Cappi Thompson/Moment Open/Getty Images
  • Total: 40 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 2-4 Patties (2-4 Servings)

This tuna and chickpea patties recipe is egg-free and contains no potatoes as fillers. Instead, fiber-rich pureed chickpeas are added to the mix. They’re a delicious alternative to salmon patties. The chickpeas add a nutty dimension to these patties that are infused with fresh cilantro and parsley and a hint of cumin seeds. Serve this Australian favorite with a side of cucumber and minted yogurt for dipping.

Ingredients

  • Tuna Patties:
  • 1 can/14 ounces/400 grams chickpeas (drained)
  • 1/8 cup olive oil (for blending)
  • 1 can/14 ounces/400 grams tuna (water-packed, drained)
  • 1 to 2 large carrots (grated)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 handful cilantro (fresh, finely chopped)
  • 1 handful parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (sea)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • ​For Frying:
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (for dredging)
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Dipping Sauce:
  • 1 1/2 cups yogurt (natural)
  • 1/2 cucumber (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 handful mint (finely chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (grated)
  • 1 lemon (quartered)

Steps to Make It

  1. Place chickpeas in a blender or food processor along with 1/8 cup of olive oil. Blend to roughly puree the chickpeas. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

  2. Add tuna, grated carrots, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, sea salt, and chile flakes. Stir well to combine.

  3. Shape mixture into small patties and then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

  4. Remove patties from ​the fridge and then dredge in a little flour, followed by the breadcrumbs.

  5. Heat about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet and fry patties until golden brown on each side. Place patties on a paper towel to drain. If they seem a little moist, then fry them for a second time and then drain. This helps the patties keep their shape.

  6. To make the dipping sauce, combine yogurt, cucumber, mint and grated garlic in a small bowl. Stir well and then serve with the tuna chickpea patties along with some lemon wedges for squeezing.

Edited by Barbara Rolek