Yellow Split Pea Fritters Recipe (Yangon baya kyaw)

Yellow split peas: Soaked overnight to soften them for blending into a coarse paste.

Onion: Finely chopped to add texture and flavor to the fritters.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the fritters with a rich, aromatic taste.

Turmeric powder: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color.

Cumin powder: Provides a deep, smoky flavor that complements the peas.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the fritters.

Oil: Used for frying the fritters until they are golden brown and crispy.

When blending the yellow split peas, aim for a coarse paste rather than a smooth one. This texture will help the fritters hold together better and provide a more satisfying crunch. Additionally, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying; if it's too cool, the fritters will absorb more oil and become greasy. Use a small piece of the mixture to test the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

• yellow split peas - Substitute with red lentils: Red lentils have a similar texture and cook faster, making them a good alternative.

• yellow split peas - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas offer a similar nutty flavor and can be used if yellow split peas are unavailable.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter taste that can complement the fritters well.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture to the fritters.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic is preferable for its robust flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor and add a bit of sweetness.

• turmeric powder - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder contains turmeric and other spices, offering a similar color and flavor profile.

• turmeric powder - Substitute with saffron: Saffron can provide a similar yellow color and a unique flavor, though it is more expensive.

• cumin powder - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy, nutty flavor that can complement the other spices.

• cumin powder - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor and can be ground to use as a substitute.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute, offering a slightly different mineral taste.

• oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a high smoke point and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the fritters.

• oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil also has a high smoke point and can add a subtle coconut flavor to the fritters.

• Allow the yellow split pea fritters to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled fritters in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the fritters within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, arrange the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. This method helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness. Frozen fritters can be stored for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated fritters, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• For frozen fritters, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated fritters.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the fritters directly from frozen by baking them at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Serve the reheated fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the yellow split pea fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. Place the fritters in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and regain their crispiness.

• Use an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the fritters on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• For a steam reheat, place the fritters in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through. This method will keep them moist but may not be as crispy.

• Blender: To blend the soaked yellow split peas into a coarse paste.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the split pea paste with the other ingredients.

• Chopping board: To finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Knife: To chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Frying pan: To heat the oil and fry the fritters.

• Spoon: To scoop small portions of the mixture.

• Spatula: To flatten the mixture into patties and flip them while frying.

• Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fritters after frying.

• Measuring cups: To measure the yellow split peas and oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince garlic the night before to save time.

Use a food processor: Instead of blending the yellow split peas manually, use a food processor for a quicker, more consistent paste.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the oil while mixing the ingredients to save time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple fritters at once to reduce cooking time.

Drain efficiently: Use a cooling rack over paper towels to drain multiple fritters simultaneously.