Gateaux Piments

About This Recipe

Gateaux Piments — literally 'chilli cakes' — are the quintessential Mauritian street snack. Soaked yellow split peas are ground with chilli, garlic, and fresh coriander, then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Eaten for breakfast with buttered bread or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1.5 cupsyellow split peas, soaked overnight and drained
• 2 greenchillies
• 2 clovesgarlic
• 1/4 cupfresh coriander leaves
• 1/2 tspsalt
• oilfor deep-frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Grind

   Coarsely grind soaked peas with chilli, garlic, coriander, and salt — do not add water. Mixture should be grainy.

2. 2

   Shape

   Form the mixture into small balls (about 2 cm diameter) and flatten slightly.

3. 3

   Fry

   Deep-fry in hot oil (170°C) for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp.

4. 4

   Drain and serve

   Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with buttered bread or chutney.

Variations

• •

  Add finely chopped spring onions to the mixture.

• •

  Bake at 200°C brushed with oil for a lighter version.

Storage

Best eaten fresh. Store cooked fritters in an airtight container up to 1 day; re-crisp in an oven or air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions