I am blessed with knowing some of the most creative, intelligent, kind and fun people to be around in this world. Before I left for India and since I returning to Seattle I have been surrounded by people wishing me a great send off and a warm welcome back.
Perhaps the weather could be more accomodating. But I will not split hairs with life – I will just garden, make tasty food and feed it to my friends. One dish from my new Indian repitour I'm returning to already as an old familiar is vegetable pakora – little fried balls of chickpea flour, vegetables, and spice joy bringing smiles to the faces of wonderful people.
Before you start make sure you have a wok or a sauce pan that will hold 3 cups or oil.
Vegetable Pakora
In a seperate bowl mix the following:
2 Tbsp red chili powder
2 Tsp tumeric
2 Tbsp garam masala
2 Tsp salt
1 Tbsp anise seeds
2 Tsp cumin seeds
2 cups chickpea flour
Outside the bowl prepare the vegetables:
1/4 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
(you can use any combinatioon of vegetables up to 1 cup)
1/4 – 1/2 cup water
Step 1:
Mix the flour and all spices together until they are thoroughly blended.
Step 2:
Finely chop all of the vegetables and set aside.
Step 3:
Add the water and vegetables to the flour mixture and blend until everything is mixed and all of the flour is wet.
Step 4:
Heat the oil in the wok or saucepan to medium.
Step 5:
Form the batter into spoon sized balls and lightly drop into the hot oil. Let each ball cook for 4 minutes or until lightly browned – turning in the oil to make sure that all sides are cooked.
Step 6:
Remove from the oil, shake excess oil off and let sit on a paper towel to cool. Eat warm alone or with dipping sauce of your choice.
Enjoy in the company of friends 🙂