Sweet Potato And Chickpea Fritters From Soweto Food

CHICKPEA FRITTERS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then put them in a large mixing bowl.
• Mash them up with a potato masher! There should still be some whole ones in there.
• Note: you can use a food processor this, but DO NOT PUREE. Pulse a few times so some get pureed, but some whole ones remain. Then pour into a large mixing bowl. I'd rather use the potato masher for authenticity and since it ends up in the mixing bowl anyway, washing the potato masher is far easier than washing the food processor.
• Blend the chickpeas with the garlic and tahini.
• Add all the spices and meld together.
• Fold in the flour and mix together.
• Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes.
• While the mixture is sitting, make the tzatziki sauce: start by mixing the yogurt with the lemon juice.
• Mix in the spices.
• Finely dice the cucumber (1 cuke should be enough) then add it to the tzatziki. Voila, it's done! Now get back to the fritter mixture.
• With your hands, form 2" balls and flatten into discs. There should be about 30 or so.
• Fry in the olive oil about 4-5 minutes on each side.
• Blot on paper towels, serve, and enjoy!

ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH CRISPY CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Divide the potatoes and shallots between two 10-inch cast-iron skillets. Evenly drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until the potatoes are cooked through, about 25 minutes.
• For the chickpeas: Lay the chickpeas out on a flat surface and dry them as much as you can using paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together the coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
• In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Line a large plate with paper towels. Working in two batches, add the chickpeas to the skillet so they are in a single layer and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chickpeas to the prepared plate and add the spice mixture. Toss everything together until combined; this helps to bloom the spices while the chickpeas are still warm.
• Garnish the potatoes in the skillets with the chickpeas and finish with the mint.

SWEET POTATO AND CHICKPEA PATTIES

Steps:

• Place sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer, cover and microwave on high for about 4 minutes or until just tender.
• Transfer to a bowl, add chickpeas and mash until almost smooth.
• Add the couscous, garam masala, garlic, egg salt and pepper.
• Using damp hands, form into 8 patties about 3/4 inch thick.
• Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook patties 3-4 minutes each side or until golden and heated through.
• Combine yoghurt and chutney in a small bowl. Serve patties with mango yoghurt and salad leaves.

VEGAN SWEET POTATO AND CHICKPEA CURRY

Steps:

• Fry the cumin seeds for a minute in a dry medium-high frying pan and then grind them with the other whole spices in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
• Fry onion, ginger, and chilli peppers in the oil until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and fry for a couple of minutes.
• Add the spices and stir for a minute or so. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
• Pour in the coconut milk, add sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• About 5 minutes before serving, add spinach if you are using it and cook until it just wilts but retains its bright green color.
• Add the juice from one lemon to taste, to lift the flavor.
• Serves well with brown and wild rice.