West Coast Whitebait Bhaji

Ingredients

• 200g chickpea flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp rice flour
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp black onion seeds
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• 100 ml whitebait water (or just water)
• Sea salt
• 1 large onion
• 1 cup of whitebait, drained & patted dry
• Canola oil for deep frying

Method

Place the chickpea flour, baking powder, rice flour, turmeric, onion seeds, chilli and coriander into a large mixing bowl.

Add the water and stir to create a smooth batter. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt.

Add the onion and whitebait and mix well together.

Pre-heat the oil in a large, solid bottomed pot to about 160C.

Drop spoons of the whitebait batter into the hot oil and cook slowly to golden brown ensuring they are fully cooked inside.

Remove and drain before serving.