vegan spicy crispy chicken sandwich

Katie was preparing for her night class when I asked what sounded good for supper tonight. "Something other than carbs!" was her emphatic reply. Since we celebrated today's sunshine by buying patio furniture at Meijer, (and: protein!) I instantly thought "burgers!"  We just had my favorite sweet potato-black bean-quinoa burgers last week, so I decided to try something new and surprise her! I used this recipe as my base, with a few changes. I was a bit skeptical since chickpeas aren't favorites around here. However, the result, according to Katie, tastes just like a "spicy fast food chicken sandwich!" Not quite what I imagine as I savor each bite, but it works for her, and we can enjoy them together! ;) 

                                     

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes

1 cup chickpeas

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup oats, ground into flour with a blender or food processor 

1/3 cup cornmeal or Panko

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons paprika

dash of chili powder (to taste)

dash of sea salt (to taste)

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1-2 Tablespoons grape seed oil 

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice sweet potatoes in small round slices. Place in a saucepan, cover with water, and boil for 10 minutes or until potatoes are soft to fork. 

2. Drain chickpeas and puree in food processor or mash with fork. Mix in ground oats, cornmeal/Panko, and spices. 

3. Run cold water over sweet potatoes then drain carefully. Then mash in a medium bowl.

4. Combine oil and dry chickpea mixture with sweet potatoes and mix thoroughly. (Add cornmeal or Panko as needed to reach desired consistency.)

5. Form small patties with spoon. 

6. Heat grape seed oil in skillet on medium-high heat. Drop patties into oiled skillet and fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping carefully after 3-4 minutes. 

7. Serve atop organic greens or bun of choice, and enjoy!!

Notes: for our second patties, we dipped them in Panko before frying, and the results were quite a similar texture to a fried chicken nugget! All the deliciousness with none of the bad stuff or birds dying!