BATATA BHAJI/ PAKODA

Monsoon is simply incomplete without aloo/ batata bhajji or pakoda. Every Indian has had Batata Bhajji at home while growing up and we can say it for sure that we just can't get enough of it. Batata Bhaji are an upgrade on the western style wafers with a spicy twist of the local Indian taste. The thinly sliced Potatoes are coated in a spiced chickpea flour/ besan flour batter and deep-fried in oil to create a hot delicious snack. The simple fluffy pakodas does not just look delightful but also taste amazing. Have it with your favourite chutney or tomato sauce. Though not very popular, these are made in  many homes espeacially during monsoon to accompany their masala chai or coffee. These pakodas give you everything your palate will ask for on a cool and rainy day. 

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium Potato

½ Cup Besan/ Chickpea Flour

1 tablespoon Rice Flour

1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

A pinch of Baking Soda [optional]

½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds

½ teaspoon Carom Seeds
1 tablespoon Chopped Coriander

3 tablespoon Water

Oil for frying

METHOD:

STEP 1 – Peel potatoes, slice the horizontally. Slices should be very thin.

STEP 2 – Take a bowl, add water and salt and mix it. Add potato slices in it for 15 minutes.

STEP 3 – Remove slices on a colander to drain excess water and make them dry. It helps to prevent the besan batter more thin.

STEP 4 – By that time, take a mixing bowl, add besan flour, rice flour, salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, carom, cumin seeds, chopped coriander and mix well.

STEP 5 – Add water and make a thick batter.

Batter should not be very thick or thin.

STEP 6 – Heat oil in a wide kadai.

STEP 7 – Add baking soda and mix well.

STEP 8 – Deep potato slices in the besan batter and coat them from all sides.

STEP 9 – Drop gently in hot oil. Deep fry until golden brown in colour. Flip when done from one side and fry on another side.

STEP 10 – Remove using a slotted spoon, drain excess oil on a kitchen towel.

Serve hot with spicy green chutney/ tomato ketchup or any of your favourite dip with a cutting chai as an evening snack.