Pholourie Spiced Split Pea Fritters with Tamarind Sauce
Golden fried split pea fritters seasoned with warm Caribbean spices, served with tangy tamarind dipping sauce for a traditional Trinidadian snack. This caribbean-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends yellow split peas, soaked overnight, all-purpose flour, baking powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split peas, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 stalks scallions, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- for deep frying vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup hot water (to dissolve tamarind)
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 1 cup yellow split peas soaked overnight and pulse in a food processor until coarsely ground but not pureed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground split peas with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp toasted ground cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped scallions, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Gradually add 1/2 cup water and mix to form a thick batter that holds shape but is still spoonable.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F for frying.
- Step 5: Use a spoon to drop small mounds of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
- Step 6: Drain fritters on paper towels.
- Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare tamarind sauce by dissolving 2 tbsp tamarind paste in 1/4 cup hot water, stirring in 1/2 cup cool water and 1 tbsp brown sugar; simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 8: Serve the warm pholourie fritters with the tangy tamarind dipping sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pholourie Spiced Split Pea Fritters with Tamarind Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pholourie Spiced Split Pea Fritters with Tamarind Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pholourie Spiced Split Pea Fritters with Tamarind Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pholourie Spiced Split Pea Fritters with Tamarind Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pholourie Spiced Split Pea Fritters with Tamarind Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
