Pan-fried chickpea fritters

Method

1. In a dry frying pan, gently fry the cumin seeds over a medium heat until aromatic. Set half aside, then pound the rest to a powder in a pestle and mortar. In a bowl, combine the ground cumin, chilli flakes, yogurt, maple syrup and a good pinch of sea salt. Set aside.
2. Put the flour and baking powder in a large bowl and slowly whisk in the milk and beaten egg until well combined with no lumps. Stir in the chickpeas, red onion, most of the herbs, the remaining whole cumin seeds, 1 tsp sea salt and a few grindings of black pepper.
3. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil into a large, non-stick frying pan and set over a medium-high heat. When hot, add 2 tbsp batter for each fritter and flatten into little rounds. Fry in batches, without overcrowding the frying pan, for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until the fritters are golden and cooked through. Add more oil between batches if needed.
4. To serve, pile the fritters up on serving plates and scatter over the sliced spring onion, remaining herbs and sea salt to taste. Drizzle over some extra-virgin olive oil, spoon the yogurt mixture over the top or put it in a bowl on the side, then serve with a green salad.