Vijs Buttermilk Pakoras Recipes

VIJ'S BUTTERMILK PAKORAS

Steps:

• Wash the cauliflower in a colander; allow to drain for approx 15 minutes (the vegetables need to be very dry otherwise the extra water will make the batter runny).
• Peel and wash the potatoes, cut in half and cut each half in thin slices (I quarter the potato).
• In a large mixing bowl combine the chickpea flour, buttermilk, peppers, coriander, cumin, mango powder, turmeric and salt, using your hands.
• Make sure everything is well combined and that there are no lumps of chickpea flour left.
• Now add the cauliflower, potatoes and the red onion.
• It should be all sticking together.
• To test the right thickness, take a spoonful and drop it from an 8-10 inch height back into the mixing bowl, the ball should remain its shape for a few seconds.
• If too runny add some more chickpea flour, 2 tablespoons at the time and no more then 4.
• Heat the oil, test with a drop of batter, when it floats to the top in a few seconds and is sizzling, the oil is hot enough.
• Drop approx 2-inch balls (they will not be round, and I use two tablespoons to do this) into the oil and fry for approx 2 ½ minutes or until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.

VEGETABLE PAKORA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
• Combine gram flour, cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and salt in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the hot oil and mix well. Add water, a little at a time, until a very thick batter forms. Stir in cilantro and spinach.
• Dip potatoes and cauliflower in batter and add to the hot oil in batches without crowding. Turn and fry until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add onions to remaining batter all at once; scoop onion-batter into the oil and fry until golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

CRISPY VEGETABLE PAKORAS

Steps:

• Sift the chickpea flour into a medium bowl. Mix in the coriander, salt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala and garlic.
• Make a well in the center of the flower. Gradually pour the water into the well and mix to form a thick, smooth batter.
• Over medium high heat in a large, heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Coat the cauliflower and onions in the batter and fry them in small batches until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.