Pholourie
caribbeanveganstreet-foodfritterssplit-peasfried

Pholourie

These quick pholourie are light, golden fritter balls with a gentle earthy flavor from split peas and turmeric. Crisp outside and soft within, they are especially good dipped in tangy chutney or spicy sauce.

15 min
2 servings
430 kcal
Caribbean

Ingredients

Pholourie batter

  • 80 gyellow split pea flour
  • 40 gplain flour
  • 1 tspground turmeric
  • 1 tspinstant yeast
  • 1/2 tspfine salt
  • 1 tspsugar
  • 2 cloves, finely gratedgarlic
  • 1 small, finely choppedfresh chili
  • 110 mlwarm water

For frying and serving

  • 500 mlneutral oil
  • to servechutney or pepper sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    Set a small deep saucepan or wok over medium heat and add the oil. Heat it to about 175-180°C while you make the batter; the oil should be hot enough that a tiny drop of batter rises quickly without browning too fast.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the split pea flour, plain flour, turmeric, instant yeast, salt, and sugar so the raising and seasoning are evenly distributed.

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic, chili, and warm water to make a thick, scoopable batter. Beat it briskly for 1 minute to aerate it slightly; it should hold its shape loosely on a spoon but still drop off. If needed, add 1-2 teaspoons more water.

  4. 4

    Once the oil is hot, use 2 teaspoons or a small spoon to drop small balls of batter into the oil, working in batches so the pan is not crowded. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until puffed, evenly golden, and cooked through. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

  5. 5

    Lift the pholourie out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a rack or paper. Serve hot with chutney or pepper sauce for dipping.

Nutrition per serving

430 kcal
Calories
11g
Protein
37g
Carbs
27g
Fat
6g
Fiber

Notes

Background

Pholourie is a beloved street snack in Trinidad and Tobago, with roots in the Indo-Caribbean community. It evolved from Indian fried lentil-based snacks brought by indentured laborers, then took on its own identity in the Caribbean with turmeric, pepper, and chutney accompaniments.

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