How long can I store leftover gateau piments?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to retain crispness.

Can I make the chana dal mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be refrigerated for 1-2 days before frying.

Are there any substitutions for chana dal?

You can use yellow lentils or split peas if chana dal is unavailable.

How do I maintain the crispness of the fritters?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, and drain them on paper towels immediately after frying.

Can the recipe be made gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, using lentils and spices without any wheat-based ingredients.

Crisp Mauritian Gateau Piments with Coriander Chutney

Name: Crisp Mauritian Gateau Piments with Coriander Chutney
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow split peas (chana dal); 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves; 3-4 green chilies; 1 small onion; Salt and pepper; Vegetable oil; 1 cup fresh coriander leaves; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 clove garlic; 1 green chili; 1 tablespoon water; Salt

A fiery, crispy snack with a refreshing dip

These spicy Mauritian fritters, made from lentils and fragrant spices, pair beautifully with a fresh and tangy coriander chutney.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Gateau Piments

1 cup yellow split peas (chana dal)

soaked overnight and drained

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

toasted and ground

2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

3-4 green chilies

finely chopped

1 small onion

finely chopped

Salt and pepper

to taste

Vegetable oil

for frying

For the Coriander Chutney

1 cup fresh coriander leaves

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 clove garlic

1 green chili

seeded

1 tablespoon water

Salt

to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Gateau Piments

Grind the split peas

Grind the soaked split peas into a coarse paste without adding water.

Toast your cumin seeds for added aroma before grinding. Ensure the chana dal paste is coarse for texture; too smooth will compromise the fritter's structure.

Mix ingredients

Mix in the ground cumin, coriander leaves, green chilies, onion, salt, and pepper.

Shape fritters

Shape the mixture into small, round fritters using your hands.

Preparing the Coriander Chutney

Combine ingredients

Combine all chutney ingredients in a blender.

Blend chutney

Blend until smooth, adding water as necessary. Adjust seasoning.

Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Chill chutney

Chill the chutney until serving.

Cooking Process

Frying the fritters

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry shaped fritters until golden brown.

Draining excess oil

Place fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Chilling the chutney

Keep the chutney refrigerated until ready to serve.

Plating & Serving