Pholouri (Yellow Split Peas Fritters)

Ingredients: For Ground Split Peas*

• 1/2 cup yellow split peas

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small hot red pepper (wiri wiri), seeded

• water for cooking

Ingredients: For Pholouri Mix:

• 3/4 cup ground split peas*

• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour

• 1 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp each: turmeric, curry powder, ground cumin, black pepper

• 1/4 tsp coriander

• 1 sprig fresh thyme

• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley

• 1 cup water

• oil for deep frying

1. In a medium pot, place 1/2 cup yellow split peas and 2 peeled garlic cloves. Cover with water to about 1 inch above peas. Bring water to boil, reduce heat, cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Peas should not be soft, but should break in two easily when pinched. Drain, allow to cool. Using a food processor, grind peas and hot pepper for about 3 minutes, or until it has the coarseness of whole wheat flour.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, ground split peas, pepper, salt, baking powder, spices and herbs.

3. Slowly drizzle water into flour mixture to combine. It should be of a soft, but not dripping consistency.

4. Heat oil on medium heat in a deep fry pan .

5. Using a teaspoon, drop mixture by spoonfuls into hot oil. It should float to the top almost instantaneously.

6. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 4 to 6 minutes. Pholouri should have a golden color.

7. Drain on paper towels.

8. Serve with spicy mango sauce.

Serves: 6

Notes&Tips:

• I have been trying to make pholouri for years without success. I have had numerous explosions and burns trying to perfect this appetizer. So much so, that I gave up trying for the longest time. I can finally say that this is the best pholouri that I have consumed. It has received high praise from my husband, whose mom I believe, makes the best pholouri.

• If you can procure split peas flour, it can be used instead of the ground split peas. I personally believe though, that the ground peas give this dish a fresher more robust taste than the split peas flour purchased.

• The mango sauce is a must have dip for these scrumptious pholouri. I have posted the recipe on this blog.

• This appetizer is not too spicy. Add more pepper or hot sauce to the mixture, if you want a spicier taste.