Pakoras!!!

Pakoras are fried fritters enjoyed as a snack. They are very versatile and any combination of vegetables can be used in the batter. People especially enjoy them during the rain!

 Ingredients:

• 2 medium sized potatoes, chopped
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium sized eggplant, chopped
• 1 cup of chopped cilantro
• 2-3 green chillies, chopped
• 1-1.5 cups of Besan (chickpea flour)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder (use less if desired)
• 1 Tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ajwain seeds 
• 1 tsp salt
• oil for frying

( tsp=teaspoon, Tbsp=tablespoon)

Directions: 

1. Chop finely: potatoes, eggplant, cilantro, and green chillies.
2. Slice onion thinly.
3. In large bowl, combine all vegetables, spices, besan and enough water to make batter. Batter shouldn't be too thin or too thick.
4. Heat oil (canola or vegetable oil preferably) on medium/high heat. 
5. To test if oil is ready, drop small amount of batter into oil. It should sizzle immediately.
6. With a tablespoon, drop batter into the hot oil. Only fry 4-5 pakoras at at time. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip. When both sides appear golden brown, remove with a slotted spoon. Allow to cool on a plate covered with paper towels.
7. Enjoy with ketchup or raita!

From left to right: Potatoes, red onions, besan, cilantro, eggplant, chilli peppers.
The spices: baking powder, turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin and ajwein seeds, salt.

The potatoes and eggplant should be chopped as shown above.

Pakora batter, ready to fry.