SPINACH PAKORA (FRITTERS)

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Spinach Pakora (fritters) image

Fritters or pakoras are considered the most readily available snack any time of the day. It is a treat especially in cold rainy weather when the aroma of fried dough and vegetables is very comforting. These can be made in advance and frozen. Warm in a 350 degreeF oven before serving. Makes 40-45 pieces. This is from Kusum's book 'Recipes with a Spice - Indian cuisine for balanced nutrition'.

Provided by kusum gupta

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 40 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups gram flour (besan)
1/2 cup rice flour
10 ounces chopped spinach
2 chopped onions
2 potatoes, chopped or grated
oil (for frying, about 2-inch deep in a wok)
1 teaspoon crushed green chili pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon mango powder
1 teaspoon crushed pomegranate seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Sift the gram flour.
  • Mix all the ingredients (except oil), to make a smooth and thick (almost like dough) batter.
  • Cover and let it stand for ½ hour.
  • Sprinkle little water if needed.
  • (If using frozen spinach, thaw before using.) Blend in all the seasonings (except salt) and mix well.
  • (You may chill the batter in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or more until it can be handled.) Mix in salt when ready to cook.
  • Heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok on medium to high heat.
  • For each pakora, scoop a heaped teaspoon of the batter, and with a second spoon, scrape the mixture into the hot oil.
  • Put the'pakoras' in a single layer in the skillet.
  • Fry, turning them with a slotted flat spatula, until all sides become golden brown.
  • (Regulate the heat as needed while the'pakoras' are being fried.) Remove and drain on paper towels or brown paper bag lined with plastic.
  • Fry all the'pakoras' this way.
  • Serve hot with any chutney.
  • Variation: Add 1 cup corn kernels to the mixture for extra crispness.
  • May also add ½ teaspoon baking soda to ensure softness.

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