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.

Originally published as Chickpea Fritter with Sweet and Spicy Yogurt Sauce in Taste of Home Recipes Across America