Crispy Chickpea Fritters with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) chickpea flour 1 cup (120g) chickpea flour
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) water 1 1/4 cups (300ml) water
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving Lemon wedges for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, water, minced garlic, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Pour the batter into the hot oil, using a ladle or spoon to create small fritters. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. 4.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. 5.
   Serve the panelle hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fritters.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpea flour — Make sure to use a good quality chickpea flour for the best results. Sift the flour before using to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes to the batter.
• Serve the panelle with a side of marinara sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping.
• To make the fritters even crispier, refrigerate the batter for an hour before frying.
• Leftover panelle can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the panelle as a snack or appetizer. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the frying pan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fritters just before serving to enhance their flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the panelle on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve them alongside lemon wedges for an inviting and vibrant presentation.