Bhajiyas aka Dhaltjies or Chilli bites ( Could be made gluten free as well).

This savory hors d' oeuvres is a must have at any party and it is an excellent little bite especially for those vegetarian guests, but please make plenty because even a ' meat loving motor head' would totally enjoy these! It could be made spicy or with a medium heat and if dipped into my mixture of Mrs Balls ( apricot and ginger chutney) , sambal oelek and roasted red bell peppertiser, it is to die for! I think it takes a close third after my samoosas and home made sausage rolls.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c chickpea( chana) flour aka Besam.

1/2 c self raising flour.

1 t baking powder

1/2 t salt or to taste

1 t turmeric

1 t cumin

1 t garam masala ( see my homemade mixture here http://giddygastronome.blogspot.com/2008/03/malay-curry-cottage-pie.html

1 t leaf masala

1 chili chopped seeds removed

1/2 c onion finely chopped

1 t pounded garlic

1/2 t finely pounded ginger

1 c shredded spinach leaves

1/2 c cilantro

1 T chopped chives

1 c club soda

Method:

Sift the flours and the salt except the baking powder. Add the rest of the ingredients and add the club soda slowly to make a very thick batter or you might have to use a little more club soda if the mixture is very dry. Stir in the baking powder just before deep frying. Drop teaspoonfuls into hot canola or vegetable oil and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve with chutney.

gluten free version:

omit the self raising and just add 1/2 c tapioca starch or corn starch and make sure you use g-free baking powder and wallah!!!

Enjoy!

I make these during the Fast as well!!