Sri Lankan Spiced Chickpea Fritters

Ingredients

The original French dish, Panisses, is made from chickpea flour as well. However, the Sri Lankan adaptation incorporates a unique blend of spices that are commonly used in Sri Lankan cuisine. The addition of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder gives these fritters a distinct Sri Lankan flavor profile. Additionally, the cooking technique differs, as the Sri Lankan version involves deep-frying the fritters to achieve a crispy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Panisses, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) chickpea flour 1 cup (120g) chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt, and baking powder.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while whisking, until a smooth batter is formed. The batter should have a thick pouring consistency.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying a few fritters at a time. Fry until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
5. 5.
   Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter.
7. 7.
   Serve the Sri Lankan Spiced Chickpea Fritters hot with your favorite chutney or yogurt dip.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpea flour — Ensure that the chickpea flour is fresh and free from lumps for a smooth batter consistency.
• Turmeric powder — Use a good quality turmeric powder to achieve a vibrant yellow color in the fritters.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them into powder will enhance their flavor.
• Coriander powder — Freshly ground coriander seeds will add a fragrant aroma to the fritters.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped onions, green chilies, or curry leaves to the batter.
• To make the fritters even more crispy, refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes before frying.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying to enjoy their maximum crunchiness.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as tamarind chutney or mint yogurt dip.
• Leftover fritters can be reheated in a toaster oven for a quick snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Sri Lankan Spiced Chickpea Fritters as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a tangy chutney or a cooling yogurt dip. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter, garnished with cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside small bowls of chutney or dip for dipping. For an attractive presentation, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or paprika on top of the fritters.