These simple fritters are almost everything that one can hope for in a snack, and if I did not fry them, I would delete the word almost. They get done in a flash, crisp, spicy, tasty, versatile, vegan and gluten free.

A simple concoction carried over from my childhood, these fritters work for me on busy evenings, simple events with a wine on the side and the left over fritters can actually be tossed into a light curried sauce.

I use a good grape seed or light olive oil for frying them and a nice wide frying pan, which allows me to complete them in two batches. I have offered this recipe with white lentils, but they can be made with yellow split moong lentils as well. The consistency is important and it should be a paste not a batter. One can add some chickpea flour to the batter if you feel that you have added too much water.

Makes 20 small to medium fritters

• 3/4 cups husked and split white lentils (urad dal)
• Water for soaking lentils
• 1/2 cup water (to grind the lentils)
• 3 pods of garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
• 2 green Serrano chilies, very finely chopped
• 1 red onion, halved and then thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
• 1 cup oil for frying
• Chopped baby spinach to garnish (optional)

1. Wash the lentils well and soak in water for at least 2 hours. It does not hurt to soak them longer.
2. Drain and rinse the lentils and place in a blender, with ½ cup water.
3. Add in the garlic pods, salt and turmeric and grind to a smooth paste, the consistency of this should be a smooth, somewhat wet paste rather than a batter.
4. Place the paste into a mixing bowl and add in the chilies, onions, thyme and cilantro and mix well.
5. Heat the oil in a flat frying pan, for about 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat. Test the temperature with a small drop of the mixture, it should sizzle and rise to the top.
6. Add about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in a few spaces, spreading them to allow enough room to let the fritters fry without overcrowding each other.
7. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice shade of golden.
8. Drain on paper towels
9. Arrange on a serving platter and toss with the spinach leaves (if using) before serving.