Instant Date Night: Pakoras + Import Lager

Mr. Hausfrau and I enjoyed some alone time in our own kitchen last Friday night.  He mixed a pre-dinner cocktail while I cooked and we reviewed the week together.

Ever since attending a good friend's 40th at a downtown gastro-lounge a few months ago, I've been craving the pakoras we shared at the table.  Reviewing versions of recipes, I finally found one that seemed simple, yet contained all the integral pakora ingredients.

Pakoras
(source)

Preparation time: approx. 45 minutes

Serves 6-8 people

• 1 cup chickpea flour (Besan)
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 finely chopped green chillies (jalapeno)
• 1 tablespoon coriander, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• oil for frying
• An assortment of vegetables: Onions, cut into rings or sliced, potato cubed

Method:

1. Stir the flour, salt and chilli powder into a bowl.
2. Pour in sufficient water to make a thick batter and beat well until smooth. Leave to stand for at least 20 minutes.
3. Stir the chillies, coriander and baking powder into the batter.
4. Drop in the potatoes/onions to coat with batter.
5. Heat the oil in a deep pan, drop in the battered potatoes/onions and deep-fry until crisp and golden.
6. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen towel and keep warm.
7. Serve hot.

note: I made these with potatoes and onions as the recipe calls for on date night.  Tonight I made the recipe again, this time using chopped fresh spinach + roasted red peppers.  Both were delicious!  I think this is only the beginning of my pakora making madness!