Title: Pakora Batter
Categories: Vegetarian Indian
Yield: 6 Servings

1 1/3	c	Chick pea flour, sifted
2	ts	Ghee
1	tb	Lemon juice
1/4	ts	Cayenne
1/2	ts	Turmeric
1	ts	Garam masala
2	ts	Coriander
1	ts	Salt
9	tb	Cold water, as needed
1/3	ts	Baking powder, optional

Combine the flour, melted ghee, lemon juice, spices & salt in a bowl & mix together well. Add 5 tb of cold water slowly, beating it until the mixture is smooth & free of lumps. Slowly add another 3 tb water & continue to beat until well mixed. Check the conssitency, it should resemble the consistency of heavy cream & easily coat a spoon. If it does not, add more water, till it does.

Cover the batter & set aside for 10 to 15 minutes to let it settle.

Beat again for a couple of minutes to lighten the batter. Stir in the baking powder at this point if you want a cake like crust.

For pakoras, choose a selection of your favourite vegetables:

Cauliflower florets Eggplant cut into 1/4-inch rounds Potatoes or yams cut into 1/8-inch rounds Bell peppers, sliced 1/4-inch thick Zucchini, cut on the diagonal, 1/4-inch thick Asparagus tips, blanched & dried

Heat 3 inches of ghee in a wok or deep skillet till hot. Dip your vegetables in the batter & one by one sloip them into the hot oil. Fry until the pakoras are golden brown on all sides. Remove & drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

Yamuna Devi, "The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking"

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