Guyana Pholourie (Split Pea Fritter)

Step 1

In a bowl soak dry split peas with about 1 1/2 cups of water. Leave this overnight. By morning the peas will double in size.

Step 2

The next morning, drain the water from the peas. In a blender or food processor put peas, garlic and pepper or pepper sauce, and enough water to cover the peas and blend on high till smooth.

Step 3

Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl. Now add all of the dry spices and mix till they are incorporated. Add baking powder, yeast, and flour. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Cover the batter and let it sit for 1-2 hours.

Step 5

Heat oil in frying pan, I would say enough oil that comes half way up your pan.

Step 6

Dropping the batter into the oil: This is tricky, you can do this with two spoons, but your pholourie balls will not come out as round as they should be. The authentic way is to grab some batter in your hand and turn your fist upside down so that the batter falls through your thumb and pointer finger. When you drop the batter into the oil, it should immediately pop up, if it doesn't then your oil is not hot enough. Obviously you need to be extremely careful to not splatter your hand as you drop in the dough.

Step 7

Turn the pholourie balls while they are frying so that they can evenly brown.

Step 8

Continue this process until all your batter is used up.

Step 9

Serve hot with mango sour.