This innovative Fried Pasta Bread transforms simple pantry staples into a crispy, savory delight. By mashing cooked chickpeas with tender pasta and herbs, you create a dough-like mixture that is pan-fried to golden perfection. The result is a dish with a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, reminiscent of arancini but with a unique texture. It’s an excellent use for leftover pasta and a fantastic vegan main or side dish. Serve warm with marinara sauce, pesto, or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and creatively fresh.
Fried Pasta Bread
Description
This innovative Fried Pasta Bread transforms simple pantry staples into a crispy, savory delight. By mashing cooked chickpeas with tender pasta and herbs, you create a dough-like mixture that is pan-fried to golden perfection. The result is a dish with a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, reminiscent of arancini but with a unique texture. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent use for leftover pasta and a fantastic vegan main or side dish. Serve warm with marinara sauce, pesto, or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and creatively fresh.Ingredients
Directions
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Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly.
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Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the hot cooking liquid.
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In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they form a coarse paste.
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Add the cooked pasta, reserved cooking liquid, garlic, sage, and salt to the mashed chickpeas.
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Mix everything together vigorously until a cohesive, moldable dough forms.
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Shape the mixture into flat patties or small bread-like loaves.
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Heat oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat.
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Carefully place the patties in the hot oil.
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Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
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Sprinkle with shaved parmesan (or vegan alternative) and fresh sage leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 77.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.3g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.0g5%
- Dietary Fiber 2.4g10%
- Sugars 1.3g
- Protein 3.5g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Substitutions: Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a fully vegan version. Any leftover short pasta works well.
Tips: If the mixture is too wet to hold its shape, add a little flour or breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash more pasta water.
Variations: Add finely chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or Italian seasoning to the mixture for extra flavor.