Easy Leek And Pea Fritters, Protein-Packed
If you think green fritters are boring, this easy leek and pea fritters, protein-packed recipe will change your mind.
These easy leek and pea fritters are everything you want in a quick meal : crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, with a fresh lemon twist that feels almost elevated.
And the best part?
They’re made with simple, real ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why you’ll make this recipe on repeat
- Ready in under 20 minutes, if your green peas are defrosted.
- Not fried — just pan-cooked.
- Packed with plant-based protein thanks to chickpea flour.
- Made with 3 green veggies : peas, leek, and spring onion.
- Bright, fresh, lemony flavors (not your usual pea + mint combo).
- Kid-approved and adult-loved.
- Perfect for those “I have nothing in the fridge” days.
Ingredients that makes it special
This isn’t just another fritter recipe. Every ingredient plays a role :
- Green peas are naturally sweet, soft, and full of fiber!
- Leek + spring onion bring depth, a subtle sweetness, and that “herby” vibe.
- Garlic is essential for that savory kick.
- Lemon juice + zest is the game changer. Fresh, bright, slightly tangy.
- Chickpea flour binds everything together and adds a boost of plant protein.
The flavor combo here is leek, pea, lemon, unexpected, refined, and honestly giving “Michelin-star vibes” without the effort.
How to make these easy leek and pea fritters
1. Prepare your peas
- If using fresh green peas : blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- If using frozen green peas (my go-to) : let them thaw at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or defrost in the microwave for 3–5 minutes.
2. Prep and blend
Chop the leek, spring onion, then grate the garlic cloves. Juice, and zest half lemon. Add everything to a blender along with the blanched or defrosted green peas and chickpea flour. Season with salt and pepper, then pulse for 5 to 10 seconds only.
This step is key: you are not making a purée. You’re looking for a chunky mixture with visible pieces, because this is what allows you to shape perfect fritters.
3. No blender?
Mash everything with a potato masher, it will take a bit more time, but it works beautifully too.
4. Shape and cook
Shape into 6 fritters using your hands. They don’t need to be perfect, a slightly rough, uneven shape is just right.
Heat a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side or until crispy, then gently flip. When turning, they might lose shape slightly, totally normal. Just flatten them again gently, and they’ll come out perfect. Cook for another 3 minutes and enjoy.
The texture and taste
These fritters are :
- Crispy on the outside
- Soft and slightly chunky inside
- Sweet from the peas
- Bright and lemony
- Deep and savory thanks to leek and garlic
It’s not the classic pea + mint combo. This one is more refined, more balanced, perfect also for kids lunch, and honestly addictive.
Pro tip (don’t skip this)
Do NOT over-blend : If your mixture becomes smooth or paste-like, you won’t be able to shape the fritters properly. Here we need to think texture, not creaminess. This one small detail makes all the difference.
How to serve them
- With a dollop of plant-based yogurt, chopped dill, chopped chili, salt and pepper
- Drizzled with tahini
- With a squeeze of extra lemon
- Or simply as they are
Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a savory snack.
Why these fritters are so good for you
These fritters are not just easy and delicious. They’re also incredibly nourishing.
They’re naturally rich in fiber, something most of us don’t get enough of nowadays. As often highlighted by Ella Mills, modern diets tend to fall short in fiber — even when we think we’re eating “healthy.” This recipe helps close that gap in the simplest way.
These fritters also bring a range of vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C (from peas + lemon) to support immunity and skin health
- Folate (Vitamin B9), important for energy and cell function
- Iron (from chickpea flour) to support energy levels
- Potassium that helps with hydration and muscle function.
More healthy fritters/hashbrowns/falafels options ?
Healthy fritters/hash browns/falafels are the kind of meal that feels nourishing, comforting, without complicating your life.
Loved these fritters? Try these next, one of my favorites too :
Healthy leek and pea fritters,
Sweet, soft, crunchy, high in protein and so easy to make !
– Healthy greetings, Laetitia –
Easy Leek And Peas Fritters, Protein Packed
Ingredients
- 2 cups green peas, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup leek (white), chopped
- 1 spring onion, chopped, approx. ⅓ cup
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ lemon, freshly squeezed, approx. 1 Tbsp
- ½ lemon zest
- 40 g chickpea flour
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- If using fresh green peas: blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.If using frozen green peas: let them thaw at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or defrost in the microwave for 3–5 minutes.
- Transfer the green peas to your blender (high speed or regular).
- Chop ½ cup of leek and 1 spring onion into pieces, then grate 2 garlic cloves. Add them to the blender along with 40 g of chickpea flour, ½ lemon freshly squeezed, and ½ lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste. Pulse first for 5 seconds (up to 10 seconds max), until you get a chunky texture (not smooth).
- Shape into 6 fritters (or patties) and place on a plate. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little olive oil, then gently add the fritters.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until firm enough to flip (should be crispy). Turn them carefully, flatten them gently, then cook for another 3–4 minutes on the other side.
- Enjoy immediately, or store and enjoy cold later in the week.
