Perfect Pakoras

Pakoras are an all-time favorite Indian snack.  It is perfect for any occasion.
Pakoras are delicious paired with a cup of hot Indian Chai.

Pakoras are made with different vegetables, which are dipped in a spicy besan (gram flour) batter and deep-fried.

Ir is the perfect food to eat any time of the day.  This is my all time favorite snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 tablespoon of coarsely ground coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 2 chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 3/4 cup of water
• Oil to fry
• 1 small potato, sliced thin
• 8 thin slices of cauliflower
• 1/2 small zucchini, sliced thin

Method:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together: besan, rice flour, coriander powder, and salt. 
2. Add the water slowly to make a smooth batter (consistency of pancake batter)
3. Next, add the green chilies and cilantro. Mix well.
4. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium high heat.
5. The frying pan should have at least 11/2 inch of oil. (To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in oil. The batter should come up but not change color right away).
6. Dip the vegetable slices in the batter one at a time and slowly drop in frying pan.
7. Fry the pakoras in small batches. The pakoras will take about 4 to 5 minutes to cook.
8. Turn them occasionally. Fry the pakoras until both sides are golden-brown.
9. Repeat this process. The crispy, delicious pakoras are ready to serve.

Tips:

If oil is too hot pakoras will not be crispy and or if oil is not hot enough pakoras will be greasy.

Variations:

You can use almost any vegetable when making these pakoras, such as eggplant, onion, cabbage, bell pepper, and different kinds of chilies! Experimenting with different flavors is good! 

Serving SuggestionsThe pakoras are even tastier when dipped in fresh cilantro chutney or tamarind chutney