Spiced Pumpkin & Chickpea Fritters with Lime Crema

Yields: 12 fritters Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Lime Crema:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, chickpeas, flour, oats, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined. Stir in the cilantro.
2. Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Drop heaping tablespoons of the pumpkin mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove fritters from the pan and drain on paper towels.
5. While fritters are frying, make the lime crema: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Mix well.
6. Serve the pumpkin fritters warm topped with the lime crema.