Let us start with a Starter

We had potluck last week and I prepared my all time favourite vegetarian starter. It is 'Venkaya Pakora' (Onion Pakora). Its crispy, yummy and very very easy to prepare. Most of us know this starter as this is considered to be one of the basic dish in India. However i am sharing the recipe for those who have not yet tried this scrumptious dish.

There are different ways of preparing this pakora. All works, but this is my way of preparing. Preparation time is 15mts.

Ingredients:

2 tsp Ghee

1 pinch of Baking soda

1 cup of Bengal gram flour (besan)

1/2 cup of Rice flour

2 or 3 finely chopped onions (lengthwise)

2 Green chilies -- finely chopped

1 tsp Chili powder

few cashew nuts/Ground nuts

1 cup of Cilantro (coriander) finely chopped

2 strands of Curry leaves

Salt -- to taste

Water -- as required

Oil -- for deep-frying

How to prepare:

Place 2 tsp. ghee and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Rub together until frothy. Add the remaining ingredients and combine well, using sufficient water to make a thick batter. Leave it to rest for 15 mts.

Heat oil in a heavy frying pan. Make small balls from the batter and drop them into the oil . Fry the pakoras until golden in color. When cooked, drain the excess oil on a sheet of brown paper or paper towels. Serve hot with chutney.

This dish goes well with Mint chutney. You can also eat them without any side dish.

Happy cooking!