Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water and boil until tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove, drain, and peel. Add salt and pepper. Mash potatoes with a potato masher.

In a medium sized saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Fry onions and chili for about 3 minutes. Add sardines including sauce, cumin, and paprika. Cook until sauce has evaporated but sardines are still moist, about 5 minutes. Remove and add to mashed potatoes.

In a small saucepan, combine besan and 1/3 cup (80ml) water. Cook stirring until thick and bubbly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and pour over mashed potatoes and sardine mixture. Stir to get everything well mixed. Leave to cool until potato mixture can be handled safely.

Place some crushed cereals in a small dish. Shape potato mixture into patties. Coat with crushed cereals.

Heat a large non-stick pan with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Pan fry patties in 2 batches for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Serve immediately.