What is it about favorite childhood foods? Somehow they live deep inside our minds and hearts. Foods we learn to eat as adults don't have the same kind of emotional hold on us, don't provide the same comfort. Perhaps this is because they are associated with that simpler time in our lives, those memories of being loved and protected and taken care of unconditionally, of diving headlong into life without worrying about consequences.
My mother used to make this snack on rainy monsoon afternoons in Kolkata, when the weather was just chilly enough to cuddle up under a quilt with my favorite book. She served it with mint-coriander chutney, and hot tea on the side. I've continued the tradition (adding spinach, which I love). I pass it on to you, my holiday gift.
Pakoras
1 cup besan flour (lentil flour--buy from an Indian grocery. You may substitute whole wheat flour, but the taste isn't the same)
1/2 c water
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 t finely chopped ginger
1/2 t red chili powder (more or less, depending on how spicy you want it)
1/4 t each: coriander and cumin powder
1/4 t ajwain, crushed (optional; get from Indian store. Ajwain is a digestive spice)
1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, or 1 c chopped spinach leaves, fresh
salt to taste
Mix the besan and water to make a thick paste (similar to pancake batter--you might need to add a bit more water or besan). Add in all other ingredients.Mix well.
In a pan, heat vegetable or canola oil, enough to deep fry. (I know, I know, not the healthiest. But hey. We all have to live it up once in a while. Plus you'll be getting some spinach.) Drop the mix by spoonfuls into the hot oil. Turn over when one side is done. Remove when golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels & serve hot.
Chutney:
1 bunch cilantro or coriander leaf
a few sprigs mint leaf
a few T water
To taste: salt, green chilies (serrano or jalapeno), sugar, lime juice
Blend in food processor until it's a smooth paste, a little thinner than a dip.
Serve on the side with pakoras
If you're short on time, ketchup works almost as well as the chutney. (Sorry, Mom!)
My mother used to make this snack on rainy monsoon afternoons in Kolkata, when the weather was just chilly enough to cuddle up under a quilt with my favorite book. She served it with mint-coriander chutney, and hot tea on the side. I've continued the tradition (adding spinach, which I love). I pass it on to you, my holiday gift.
Pakoras
1 cup besan flour (lentil flour--buy from an Indian grocery. You may substitute whole wheat flour, but the taste isn't the same)
1/2 c water
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 t finely chopped ginger
1/2 t red chili powder (more or less, depending on how spicy you want it)
1/4 t each: coriander and cumin powder
1/4 t ajwain, crushed (optional; get from Indian store. Ajwain is a digestive spice)
1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, or 1 c chopped spinach leaves, fresh
salt to taste
Mix the besan and water to make a thick paste (similar to pancake batter--you might need to add a bit more water or besan). Add in all other ingredients.Mix well.
In a pan, heat vegetable or canola oil, enough to deep fry. (I know, I know, not the healthiest. But hey. We all have to live it up once in a while. Plus you'll be getting some spinach.) Drop the mix by spoonfuls into the hot oil. Turn over when one side is done. Remove when golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels & serve hot.
Chutney:
1 bunch cilantro or coriander leaf
a few sprigs mint leaf
a few T water
To taste: salt, green chilies (serrano or jalapeno), sugar, lime juice
Blend in food processor until it's a smooth paste, a little thinner than a dip.
Serve on the side with pakoras
If you're short on time, ketchup works almost as well as the chutney. (Sorry, Mom!)
Thanks for sharing this. Yum! I may not get it together to make these pakoras but I enjoy reading your narrative and recipe (armchair cook). I enjoyed your last book very much. Thank you and congratulations. Looking forward to your next book.
Hi Chitra,
My friend and fellow book club member Jayshree recently wrote to you about the Palace of Illusions, which was our December selection and we were thrilled to hear back from you. I've posted up some points from our discussion at the url above. We had a really stimulating discussion about the book, and all of us loved the book. Thanks!
Hi!
I have only read one of your books, you used to live in California right?
Or do you still live there.
I think you know my aunt Hemla... so when I saw you book I got excited...
:)
Dear Chitra
I have read all of your books and I have been eagerly awaiting the next book "One Amazing Thing". The book seems to have been released but it is not yet available in India. Is It possible for you to tell me when will the book be released in the country.
Thanks
Thank you for this lovely recipe. Pakoras are one of my favorite Indian snacks. :) I also would like to add I have recently discovered your books and I love your writing style mainly because each character seems so "real" By the end of each story, i feel I've known its characters for so long, as if they were friends of mine.