Split Pea Fritters

(Matar Ki Daal Ke Pakode)

Ingredients:

2 cups Split Peas (Matar Ki Daal) 

2 cloves of Garlic crushed and chopped

Salt to Taste

Freshly crushed Peppercorns

2 tsp Curry Powder

1 tsp Saffron Powder

2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 cup Plain Flour (Maida)

Water as required

Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. Soak the Split Peas over night and then ground them to a fine paste. Do not add water while grinding unless absolutely necessary. Keep the water minimal.
2. Now except for the water and the oil, mix all the other ingredients to the above paste of split peas and make a thick batter of dripping consistency.
3. Heat the Oil in a deep pan for frying and add 1 tsp from this hot oil to the above mixture and mix well. 
4. With the help of a spoon, drop small quantities of the potion into the oil and deep fry them until crisp and golden brown.
5. Sprinkle some chaat masala over them and serve with yogurt. 
   

Tips:

• To check whether the oil is hot enough, put a small dice of bread into the oil and wait for 40 seconds. If it turns brown within 40 seconds then the oil is good to go!
• Do not make the batter too runny. We want the fritters to crisp up and not be all soggy.
• When you take out the first fritter, break it into two and check the center. If it seems too dry then add a few tsp of water to the batter. Similarly, if the batter is too wet add some more flour but then also check for the seasonings.
• If you don't want to add baking powder, you can also replace it with 1/2 a tsp of fruit salt.