Panisses with Sage Leaves and Lemon
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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These crispy chickpea panisses with sage and lemon are a delightful vegan snack inspired by the street food traditions of Provence and Nice. Made from a simple base of chickpea flour and olive oil, these savoury fritters have a wonderfully creamy centre contrasted by a golden, puffed exterior. The addition of aromatic fried sage and a bright squeeze of lemon juice elevates the earthy flavours of the pulse, making them a sophisticated choice for an evening aperitif or a light lunch.
This vegan-friendly recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be prepared in advance by chilling the chickpea mixture overnight. Using a food processor ensures a perfectly smooth texture that produces a superior crunch once fried. Serve these warm as a comforting starter or shareable side dish for a Mediterranean-themed dinner party.
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Ingredients for Panisses with Sage Leaves and Lemon
3 tablespoons plus 350ml (or more) olive oil
Kosher salt
475ml chickpea flour
Flaky sea salt
4 sprigs sage
Lemon wedges (for serving)
How to make Panisses with Sage Leaves and Lemon
Back to contentsPour 2 tablespoons oil into an 8x8" baking pan; set aside. Bring a pinch of kosher salt and 1025ml water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisking constantly, gradually add chickpea flour. Once all the flour has been incorporated, reduce heat to low and cook mixture, whisking often to prevent scorching and to keep a skin from forming on top, until a thick lumpy porridge forms that is just starting to pull away from the sides of the saucepan, 20–25 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a food processor (keep saucepan close at hand) and process until smooth and very glossy, about 45 seconds. Working quickly so mixture does not start to set, transfer back to saucepan, season with more kosher salt, and cook over low heat, whisking often to prevent any new lumps from forming, until you can see the bottom of pan while whisking and mixture no longer tastes raw, 10–15 minutes.
Scrape mixture into prepared pan and quickly smooth top. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over and cover with a sheet of parchment paper. Let cool, 1–1 1/2 hours (you can speed this up by chilling mixture until cold).
Using the tip of a knife, slice mixture on an angle into 12 irregular strips of varying lengths and thicknesses. Heat remaining 350ml oil in a medium skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high until the first wisp of smoke appears. Working in 2 or 3 batches, fry strips (if panisses are not submerged in oil, add more just to cover), turning several times, until puffed, crisp, and golden all over, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer panisses to paper towels to drain and sprinkle with sea salt.
Add sage to skillet and cook just until crisp, about 10 seconds, then transfer to paper towels to drain.
Top warm panisses with sage and serve with lemon wedges.
Panisse mixture (before cutting) can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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