Crispy Gluten-Free Green Pea Fritters — Baked & Flavorful

Tasty, healthy, simple and budget-friendly pea fritters. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, made with chickpea (besan) flour.

Sponsored by Birds Eye Peas

These pea fritters are even better than I expected. They have a pleasantly “meaty” texture that makes them a satisfying alternative to nuggets or falafel. They’re versatile: tuck them into pitta wraps, serve them with salad, or offer them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

I’ve included a quick dairy-free herby yoghurt dip below, though I confess I often enjoy these with classic ketchup — simple and delicious.

Why you’ll love these green pea fritters

• Quick and easy to make
• Healthy and a good source of plant protein
• Naturally vegan, egg-free, gluten-free and grain-free
• Satisfying and filling
• Made from common pantry ingredients
• Budget-friendly and frugal
• Kid-approved by many readers
• Flexible — serve as a snack, in a wrap, or as part of a meal

Ingredients you’ll need

• Frozen peas (petit pois or garden peas)
• Olive oil
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Besan / chickpea / gram flour
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Salt
• Mixed fresh or dried herbs, finely chopped (dried Italian herbs work well)

How to make the patties

1. Cook the peas according to the packet instructions, then drain well.
2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the cooked peas, onion and garlic to a food processor and pulse into a coarse, thick paste. Alternatively, mash by hand with a potato masher.
4. Stir in the chickpea flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and herbs until combined.
5. Moisten your hands, scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls and flatten slightly to form patties. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet.
6. Brush both sides of the patties lightly with olive oil.
7. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
8. Serve immediately, refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Herby dairy-free yoghurt dip (optional)

Mix together:

• Soy or coconut yoghurt
• Chopped fresh or dried herbs (parsley, mint, rosemary or mixed herbs)
• Juice of half to one lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning. Serve beside the warm fritters.

Tips and variations

• If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of olive oil or a little yoghurt to bind it.
• For crisper fritters, fry in a shallow pan or use an air fryer for a few minutes each side.
• Add chopped chillies, cumin, coriander or lemon zest to vary the flavor.
• Thin patties will bake more quickly and crisp up better; thicker ones may need a few extra minutes.

Gluten-free Baked Green Pea Fritters

Baked, not fried – a naturally gluten-free, vegan, frugal and kid-friendly fritter that’s quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 250 g / 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for baking
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 140 g / 1 ½ cups besan / chickpea flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp mixed fresh or dried herbs, finely chopped

Herby Yoghurt Dipping Sauce

• 250 g / 1 cup soy or dairy-free yoghurt
• Mixed herbs, finely chopped
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
2. Add the peas to a saucepan, cover with water, cook according to the packet, then drain well.
3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Transfer peas, onion and garlic to a food processor and pulse to a coarse paste, or mash by hand.
5. Mix in the chickpea flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and herbs until combined.
6. Wet your hands, shape tablespoon-sized portions into patties and place on the baking sheet.
7. Brush the patties with olive oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
8. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days; you can also freeze and reheat.

For the dipping sauce

1. Stir yoghurt, herbs, lemon juice and seasoning together and serve alongside the fritters.

Nutrition Information

Yield 10
Serving Size 1 fritter

Amount Per Serving
Calories 94
Carbohydrates 14g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 2g
Protein 4g