Sweet Potato & Chickpea Patties (Kid-Friendly + Flexible)
Some of my favorite dinners are the ones that come together without a plan — just a few ingredients, a little improvising, and something that actually works for the whole family. These sweet potato and chickpea patties started exactly that way, when I was standing in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for dinner, and quickly turned into a meal everyone was happy with.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, naturally plant-based, and incredibly flexible. You can keep them simple and kid-friendly, or dress them up for adults with a few easy toppings. Same base, two vibes — which is pretty much my favorite kind of dinner.
Why We Love These Patties
Mild, cozy flavors that kids actually enjoy
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Easy to customize for different ages and preferences
Great for weeknight dinners, lunches, or leftovers
Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
Cook the sweet potatoes. Roast, steam, or microwave the sweet potatoes until very tender. Let cool slightly, then mash until mostly smooth.
Mash the chickpeas. In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork, leaving some texture.
Combine the mixture. Add the mashed sweet potatoes, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to the bowl. Mix until combined. The mixture should hold together easily — if it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
Form the patties. Shape the mixture into small patties, about the size of your palm.
Cook. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Serve warm. Remove from the pan and serve immediately with your favorite sides and toppings.
Serving Ideas
For kids, we keep things simple:
Plain with ketchup for dipping
Served on a bun like a veggie burger
For a more grown-up version:
Top with sliced avocado
Drizzle with tahini sauce
Finish with fresh herbs or greens like parsley, cilantro, or microgreens
Both versions start with the same patties — just different toppings depending on who’s at the table.
Easy Side Idea: Quick Rice Pilaf
We served these patties with a quick rice pilaf on the side. I keep it simple by cooking rice with a little olive oil, garlic, and salt — sometimes adding a handful of herbs or veggies if I have them on hand. It’s an easy, neutral side that works for both kids and adults.
Make It Your Own
These patties are very forgiving and easy to adapt. You can:
Add them to a grain bowl or salad
Prep them ahead for lunches
Serve them as sliders or wraps
Swap seasonings to change the flavor profile
They’re one of those recipes that doesn’t require perfection — just a few good ingredients and a flexible mindset.
If you’re looking for a low-stress, family-friendly plant-based dinner that doesn’t feel boring, these sweet potato and chickpea patties are a great place to start. They’re simple, comforting, and easy to make your own — whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or both at the same table.
