Vera

This is a vegetarian appetizer made from black-eyed peas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups black-eyed peas
• 7 ½ cups water, divided
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 tsps green chili puree
• 1 tsp garlic puree
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 1 cup chopped coriander
• Canola oil for deep frying

Preparation

• In a large bowl, add the black-eyed peas and seven cups of water and let soak overnight. Strain the water from the black-eyed peas and rinse, removing all water.
• Place the black-eyed peas in a blender or food processor with one-fourth cup of water and all remaining ingredients except the coriander and oil. Puree, adding an additional one-fourth cup of water if needed.
• After the mixture is blended, place in a mixing bowl. Add the coriander and stir to combine.
• In a pot, heat oil over medium heat. Take two tablespoons of the black-eyed pea mixture and form a ball in your hand. Flatten slightly to form a small patty.
• Place the patty into the oil to fry for about two minutes or until cooked. Flip over for another two minutes or until cooked.
• Remove and place on a paper towel–lined tray to absorb the excess oil. Repeat with remaining pea mixture.