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Jessica T. Brown

Baked Chickpea Fries

This Crispy Chickpea Fries recipe offers a protein-packed, fiber-rich, and vegan-friendly twist on classic fries. With a simple process of cooking, chilling, slicing, and baking, it delivers a deliciously crispy and herb-infused snack perfect for everyday meals or entertaining.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups water
  • 3 cups chickpea flour also called gram flour or besan
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus extra for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 9 x 13 Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper or Silpat Mat (1 sheet)
  • 1 Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the chickpea batter.
  2. Heat the Water: Pour the 6 cups of water into a large pot and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Incorporate Chickpea Flour: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium. Gradually sprinkle in the chickpea flour while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring vigorously for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency. Some small lumps may form but won’t affect the final texture.
  4. Add Flavorings and Oil: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the chopped parsley and oregano, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
  5. Chill the Batter: Immediately transfer the chickpea mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to firm up.
  6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  7. Slice and Arrange the Fries: Once the chickpea mixture is fully chilled and firm, remove it from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, cut the block into thick sticks resembling fries. Arrange them neatly on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for Crispiness: Brush the chickpea fries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Carefully flip each fry, brush the other side with olive oil, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately season with a generous sprinkle of salt. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: The chickpea batter can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Simply slice and bake when ready to serve.
  • Reheating: Leftover fries reheat well in the oven. Bake them again at 400°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Herb Variations: Feel free to swap the parsley and oregano for other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
  • Texture Tips: Whisking continuously while cooking the batter is key to achieving a smooth, thick base. Don’t worry if a few small lumps remain—they won’t be noticeable after baking.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair these fries with aioli, spicy ketchup, or a fresh herb dip for an irresistible snack or appetizer.