Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce

Name: Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 dozen (1 cup sauce).
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; FRITTERS:; 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Oil for deep-fat frying

Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan where I grew up. In my home I try to incorporate the tastes of my home country when cooking for my American-born daughters. I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. To eat, dip the warm fritters in the chilled yogurt. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a meal. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
FRITTERS:
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

In a small bowl, the first six ingredients; refrigerate until serving.
Place the chickpeas and seasonings in a food processor; process until finely ground. Add egg and baking soda; pulse until blended. Transfer to a bowl; stir in cilantro and green onions.
In a cast-iron or electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Shape rounded tablespoonfuls of bean mixture into balls. Drop a few at a time into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, 2-3 minutes, turning frequently. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sauce.

Nutrition Facts

1 fritter with 2 teaspoons sauce: 46 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.