Palak Pakoras

(This is my contribution to the A-Z of Indian vegetables hosted by Nupur. The letter this week is “P”)


We seem to have purchased some kind of magical spinach from the grocery store. I used it twice to make vegetables still it hasn’t got over. It’s as if everytime I keep it in the fridge, it increases in quantity. Now, I am a big palak fan. But, I can’t eat it everyday. Then, there’s the dread that if I neglect it, it will wilt and die. Yesterday, in another futile event to use up the spinach, I made palak pakoras. The pakoras turned out good, but the mission remained unaccomplished.

Palak Pakoras/Spinach Fritters

Makes: 10-15 pakoras
Cooking level: Easy
Preparation time: 20 minutes

(Special thanks to hubby for leaving some pakoras to be photographed)
Ingredients:

1.¾ cup finely chopped spinach
2.1 cup besan
3.½ tsp ajwain seeds
4.½ tsp red chilli powder
5.¼ tsp turmeric powder
6.¼ tsp garam masala
7.Salt to taste
8.1 tsp hot oil
9.Pinch of baking soda
10.Oil for frying

Method:

1.Mix together all the above ingredients. Add water and make batter.
2.Heat oil in a pan on medium level.
3.Drop spoonfuls of batter in the oil and fry till golden brown. Drain the fritters on paper napkins and serve hot with ketchup.

I kept the pakoras in a bowl and soon saw them disappearing in my hubby's mouth. That's when I yelled at him to refrain from eating them before I could take snaps. His response, "Take a snap of the empty bowl, and write that the pakoras where here some time back." I didn't know whether to smile or sigh:)
Also on Swad:
Apple Pakoras
Egg Pakoras