SOUTHERN-FRIED CHICKPEA PATTIES

Steps:

• Place the beans in a bowl and add enough water to cover by a few inches. Soak for at least 6 hours at room temperature. (If your kitchen is very warm, you may want to place the chickpeas in the refrigerator to minimize the chances of fermentation.) Drain and set aside; you now have about 2 1⁄2 cups of soaked chickpeas. Using a food processor or stand blender, pulverize the chickpeas using the "pulse" function, until the beans form a paste that sticks together when you squeeze it in your hand. Be careful not to overprocess; too smooth and the batter will fall apart when cooking. Add the remaining ingredients (except the oil) and process, using the "pulse" function about 12 times. Using a scant 1/3-cup measure, shape the batter into patties and place on a plate. Cover the patties with parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a shallow 12-inch skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil over medium-high heat. Gently place the patties into the hot oil in small batches (don't crowd the pan) and fry the first side until golden brown and slightly crusty, 2 to 3 minutes. Gently turn onto the second side and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a baking tray to finish cooking in the oven until the patties slightly firm up and dry out, about 7 minutes. To keep the patties warm without further cooking, lower the oven temperature to 225 degrees. Serve by itself or on a warmed bun with barbecue sauce or caramelized onions. Makes seven or eight patties. - From "The Meat Lover's Meatless Celebrations: Year-Round Vegetarian Feasts (You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into)" (Da Capo, $18.99) by Kim O'Donnel