Chickpea and Oat Cutlet / Patties

The health benefits of oats include lowering bad cholesterol,reducing hypertension or high blood pressure, helping in weight control to name just a few.Plain oats are quite versatile and can be included in a variety of dishes.I have been experimenting with using oats in different types of dishes both sweet and savory.This recipe is a spin on the traditional Indian cutlets/patties made with potatoes making it instead with heart healthy ingredients like oats which is a better alternative for those like me that are avoiding empty carbs.The protein and the fiber in this also makes this more satisfying and filling and the use of olive oil to shallow fry this is an additional benefit as olive oil is said to be very beneficial for heart health too.

This cutlet is both tasty and versatile and can be used in a burger,as a side dish,as an appetizer, as a sandwich filling or with ragda. For the skeptics who believe that healthy does not translate to tasty this cutlet will definitely prove otherwise.

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Ingredients and Method to make the cutlets.

1 1/2 cup cooked chickpea
3/4 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup frozen cauliflower
1 1/4 cup of quick cooking plain oats cooked in the microwave in 1 1/4 cup of water
1 cup cream of wheat (rava)
3 tbsp cooked barley
1/4 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp chili powder ( or according to taste)
1 tsp ground ginger paste
1 tsp green chili paste (optional)
salt to taste
a little extra virgin olive oil (or any other oil) to shallow fry the patties

a little wheat flour or chick pea flour if required

Mash the cooked chickpea with a potato masher or in a processor until grainy,it does not need to get smooth like hummus.Do not add water to this,if using canned chickpeas be sure to drain out all the liquid.

Cook the frozen peas and cauliflower in the microwave for about 5 to 6 minutes until soft without water

Cook the quick oats in water for a minute in the microwave.

Mix together the mashed chickpea, the cooked vegetables and the oats in a large bowl.

Add the cumin powder,the coriander powder,the salt,the chili powder ,the chili paste,the ground ginger paste,the turmeric powder and mix well.

Add the cream of wheat (rava) and the cooked barley to this and mix well.

If the mixture is too soft and difficult to handle a little wheat flour or chick pea flour to make the mixture a little firmer.

Shape into large balls and flatten (use some all purpose flour or rice flour to aid this process if required ) ( I did not use flour as I was able to form the cutlet without the flour)

Heat a tawa/griddle and place the cutlet on it and cook on medium heat adding a few drops of olive oil to each side.

Serve hot with cilantro/ coriander chutney or use to make veggie burgers or as a filling in a sandwich.

Variations:
Instead of cauliflower you can use mixed vegetables like carrots,beans, potatoes etc too.

Notes

In case you use fresh vegetables instead of frozen remember to add just the required amount of water and to cook until the water evaporates.

In case the mixture feels too soft, place it in a heavy bottomed pan and heat for a few minutes on low heat until all the excess moisture evaporates cool slightly then shape the patties or as I mentioned in the recipe add a little wheat flour or chick pea flour (besan) to the mixture to make it firmer.


This is my entry into the healthy cooking event being hosted by Mansi

This is my entry into Original Recipes monthly event hosted by Lore