Pakora Batter

Photo: flickr user jbcurio

Ingredients

cups Chick pea flour, sifted

2 teaspoons Ghee

1 tablespoon Lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne

1/2 teaspoon Turmeric

1 teaspoon Garam masala

2 teaspoons Coriander

1 teaspoon Salt

9 tablespoons Cold water, as needed

teaspoon Baking powder, optional

Preparation

Combine the flour, melted ghee, lemon juice, spices & salt in a bowl & mix together well. Add 5 tb of cold water slowly, beating it until the mixture is smooth & free of lumps. Slowly add another 3 tb water & continue to beat until well mixed. Check the conssitency, it should resemble the consistency of heavy cream & easily coat a spoon.

If it does not, add more water, till it does.

Cover the batter & set aside for 10 to 15 minutes to let it settle.

Beat again for a couple of minutes to lighten the batter. Stir in the baking powder at this point if you want a cake like crust.

For pakoras, choose a selection of your favourite vegetables:

Cauliflower florets Eggplant cut into 1/4-inch rounds Potatoes or yams cut into 1/8-inch rounds Bell peppers, sliced 1/4-inch thick Zucchini, cut on the diagonal, 1/4-inch thick Asparagus tips, blanched & dried

Heat 3 inches of ghee in a wok or deep skillet till hot. Dip your vegetables in the batter & one by one sloip them into the hot oil. Fry until the pakoras are golden brown on all sides. Remove & drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.