Discover the flavorful recipe for Gateau Piment, a popular spicy snack made from yellow split peas, chili, and aromatic spices. These crispy lentil cakes are perfect for a tasty treat or appetizer. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to make these delectable cakes at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup yellow split peas (lentils), soaked overnight

- 1-2 fresh green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)

- Salt to taste

- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Lentils: Drain the soaked yellow split peas and rinse them well. In a food processor or blender, pulse the peas until they form a coarse, paste-like consistency. Avoid over-processing; some texture should remain.

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lentil paste with chopped green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, baking powder, cilantro, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Heat Oil: In a frying pan or skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.

Shape and Fry: Scoop small amounts of the lentil mixture and shape them into small, round cakes or patties. Carefully place the cakes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Drain and Serve: Remove the cakes from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney.

Enjoy your homemade Gateau Piment as a delightful snack or appetizer with friends and family!

Nutritional Values

Yellow Split Peas (Lentils)

   - Calories: 230

   - Protein: 16 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 40 grams

   - Fiber: 16 grams

   - Fat: 0.8 grams

Benefits:

   - High in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

   - Rich in fiber, promotes digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

   - Good source of folate, supports red blood cell formation and helps prevent anemia.

   - Low in fat, a heart-healthy choice.

Green Chilies

   - Calories: 40

   - Vitamin C: 80 mg (133% of Daily Value)

   - Vitamin A: 11% of Daily Value

   - Carbohydrates: ~10 grams

   - Fiber: ~2 grams

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamin C, boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

   - Contains capsaicin, which may aid in weight loss and pain relief.

Onion

   - Calories: 40

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Fiber: 1.7 grams

   - Vitamin C: 8.1 mg

   - Folate: 19 µg

Benefits:

   - Antioxidant properties, may reduce inflammation and support heart health.

   - Rich in vitamins and minerals, supports overall health and boosts immune function.

Garlic

   - Calories: 149

   - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

   - Fiber: 2.1 grams

   - Vitamin C: 31.2 mg

   - Manganese: 1.7 mg

Benefits:

   - Antibacterial and antiviral properties, supports immune health and fights infections.

   - May improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ground Cumin

   - Calories: 8

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Fiber: 0.5 grams

   - Iron: 0.8 mg

Benefits:

   - Rich in iron, supports healthy blood and prevents anemia.

   - Digestive aid, may help with digestion and reduce bloating.

Ground Coriander

   - Calories: 5

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Fiber: 0.5 grams

   - Vitamin C: 0.5 mg

Benefits:

   - Antioxidant properties, may help combat oxidative stress.

   - Supports digestion, helps reduce bloating.

Turmeric Powder

   - Calories: 8

   - Carbohydrates: 1.6 grams

   - Fiber: 0.5 grams

   - Iron: 0.6 mg

Benefits:

   - Anti-inflammatory properties, contains curcumin which may reduce inflammation and support joint health.

   - Antioxidant, protects cells from damage and supports overall health.

Paprika

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Vitamin A: 926 IU

   - Vitamin C: 0.9 mg

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamin A, supports vision and skin health.

   - Contains antioxidants, helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.

Baking Powder

   - Calories: 2

   - Sodium: 500 mg

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

   - Leavening agent, helps the cakes rise and become fluffy.

Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)

   - Calories: 4

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Vitamin C: 2.9 mg

   - Vitamin A: 1,400 IU

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins, supports immune health and vision.

   - May help with digestion, contains compounds that aid digestion and reduce bloating.

These ingredients not only add flavor and texture to your Gateau Piment but also provide numerous health benefits, making this snack both tasty and nutritious.