Recipe
Chibwabwa Fritters with Spicy Tomato Chutney
Savory Pumpkin Fritters with a Tangy Twist
3.8 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Malawian cuisine with these delightful Chibwabwa fritters. Made with pumpkin and a blend of aromatic spices, these fritters are served with a zesty tomato chutney, adding a burst of tanginess to every bite.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
15 minutes
Total time
35 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
Wheat (in the all-purpose flour)
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins
Ingredients
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2 cups (400g) mashed pumpkin 2 cups (400g) mashed pumpkin
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1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
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For the Spicy Tomato Chutney: For the Spicy Tomato Chutney:
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4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
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1 small chili, finely chopped 1 small chili, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Salt to taste Salt to taste
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Salt: 0.9g
Preparation
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1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed pumpkin, all-purpose flour, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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2.Add the chopped onion and fresh cilantro to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until they are well distributed throughout the batter.
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3.Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
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4.Take a spoonful of the pumpkin batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil, shaping it into a small fritter. Repeat with more batter, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
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5.Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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6.For the spicy tomato chutney, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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7.Add the diced tomatoes, white vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and the flavors have melded together.
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8.Remove the chutney from heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
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9.Serve the Chibwabwa fritters warm with a side of spicy tomato chutney.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Pumpkin — Make sure to use cooked and mashed pumpkin for this recipe. If you don't have fresh pumpkin, canned pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute.
- Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note.
Tips & Tricks
- For a crispier texture, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the pumpkin batter.
- Serve the fritters immediately after frying to retain their crunchiness.
- The spicy tomato chutney can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify over time.
- Experiment with different spices like turmeric or paprika to customize the flavor of the fritters.
- If you prefer a smoother chutney, you can blend it in a food processor or blender before serving.
Serving advice
Serve the Chibwabwa fritters as an appetizer or a light meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a fresh salad for a more substantial dish. Drizzle some extra spicy tomato chutney on top for an added burst of flavor.
Presentation advice
Arrange the golden Chibwabwa fritters on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. Place a small bowl of the spicy tomato chutney in the center for dipping. The vibrant colors of the fritters and the chutney will create an inviting and appetizing presentation.