Chibwabwa Fritters with Spicy Tomato Chutney

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) mashed pumpkin 2 cups (400g) mashed pumpkin
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Spicy Tomato Chutney: For the Spicy Tomato Chutney:
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small chili, finely chopped 1 small chili, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 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

1. 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.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and fresh cilantro to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until they are well distributed throughout the batter.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 8.
   Remove the chutney from heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
9. 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.