- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 pinch asafoetida powder
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
- Place dried chickpeas in a bowl. Fill with water to cover; stir in baking soda. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Drain.
- Place soaked and drained chickpeas in a blender or food processor; blend to a paste.
- Pour water into chickpea paste and blend until smooth. Scrape down sides of blender with spatula if needed.
- Place sesame seeds, cumin, salt, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and asafoetida powder in blender with chickpea paste; blend until well mixed. Transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl.
- Chill chickpea mixture in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend, at least 1 hour and up to two days.
- Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C).
- Scoop up chickpea mixture by heaping tablespoons and form into balls the size of ping pong balls.
- Fry balls in hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.