Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour (available at Middle Eastern, Indian or health-food stores), or all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and roughly chopped
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• Mango chutney, for serving

Instructions

1. Whisk the chickpea flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cumin seeds, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add 2/3 cup water and whisk until smooth. Add the onion, chickpeas, spinach and ginger to the batter and mix to combine.
2. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil (do not crowd the pan). Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cool slightly, then gently press each fritter into a small disk, about 1/3 inch thick.
3. Return the fritters to the hot oil and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and serve with chutney.
4. Photograph by Kate Sears