Beet Chickpea Cakes With Mint and Lemon Zest Sauce
[Vegan, Gluten-Free]

To Make the Cakes:

1. Place chickpeas in a large bowl with one egg. Mash 3/4 of the chickpeas with the egg and lemon juice with a potato masher until creamy and a little smooth. Leave 1/4 of the chickpeas whole for texture.
2. Squeeze dry the gratings of one large beet, (with paper towels) to equal 1 1/2 cups. In a large cast iron or stick proof skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, set heat to medium, add the shallots, garlic, and beets, and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add lemon zest, cumin, sumac, sea salt, and pepper – give a big stir to incorporate the flavors, cook just one minute more. Cool slightly.
4. Add the skillet ingredients to the chickpea bowl. Add panko crumbs, mint, and parsley. Mix very well. Divide to make eight round cakes or 16 mini ones. Flatten to 1/2-inch height.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Clean the skillet, (or wipe it clean) add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil – set heat to medium. Add the chickpea cakes, cook 2 minutes until they start to become a little golden, turn over, cook an additional 2 minutes.
7. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Add the chickpea cakes, and bake for just 10 minutes until cooked through.
8. Serve with a tangy, minty dip.

To Make the Dip:

1. Combine all, refrigerate to blend the flavors and serve with the beet and chickpea cakes.