Spicy Chickpea Poppers

Name: Spicy Chickpea Poppers
Ingredients: 2 1/2 heads of garlic (about 35 cloves); 3 fresh bay leaves; 1/2 cup (120 mL) canola oil; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 2 teaspoons ground Sichuan peppercorns; 2 teaspoons chile flakes; 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground kombu; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1/4 teaspoon light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed; Canola oil, for frying; 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can chickpeas, drained and peeled; 1 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk; 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; A good handful fresh Thai basil leaves; 1 garlic clove, grated; 2 teaspoons Garlic Confit Sauce (see below)