*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                             PAKORA BATTER

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Vegetarian                       Indian

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1 1/3   c            Chick pea flour, sifted
  2       ts           Ghee
  1       tb           Lemon juice
    1/4   ts           Cayenne
    1/2   ts           Turmeric
  1       t            Garam masala
  2       ts           Coriander
  1       t            Salt
  9       tb           Cold water, as needed
    1/3   ts           Baking powder, optional

 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.

 Yamuna Devi, "The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking"



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