CHICKPEA FRITTERS WITH SWEET-SPICY SAUCE

Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce image

Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan where I grew up. 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 this chickpea recipe in chilled yogurt. -Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 2 dozen (1 cup sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 16

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
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

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the first 6 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 Dutch oven or an electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Shape rounded tablespoons 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 : Calories 46 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.