Spiced Red Lentil Fritters with Coconut Lime Yogurt Dip

Ingredients

• •1 cup red lentils, soaked for 2 hours
• •1 medium onion, finely chopped
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• •1 green chili, finely chopped
• •1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• •1 teaspoon ground cumin
• •1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• •1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• •1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• •1/2 cup chickpea flour
• •Salt to taste
• •Vegetable oil for frying
• •1/2 cup plain yogurt
• •1/4 cup coconut milk
• •Zest and juice of 1 lime
• •Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the soaked red lentils thoroughly and drain well. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the red lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, green chili, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

3. 3

   Add the chickpea flour to the mixture and stir until the batter comes together. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more chickpea flour.

4. 4

   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it; if it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.

5. 5

   Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the batter and gently shape it into a small patty. Carefully place it into the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining batter, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.

6. 6

   Fry the fritters for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

7. 7

   In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside as the dipping sauce.

8. 8

   Serve the fritters warm with the Coconut Lime Yogurt Dip on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.