Garam Chai with Pakodis

An age old saying, nothing like a plate of Garam (Hot) pakoris ( vegetable fritters) and a hot cup of Chai. Since I lived in Az for the last 3 years, where rain showers are as rare as finding gold , so I forgot all about making pakoris, when we lived there. After last night's rain and thunder showers, all I could think of is Garam pakoris with Chai. Well, today, it was all overcast and showers , and I planned to make it for lunch. Mmmmmm!!! Its so Yummy, said Buju, the rains do make this meal even more yummy, somehow...................

Recipe :

Pakodis : 1/2 head of Cauliflower, cut into small flowerets

1/2 red Onion, sliced thin and long
1 large potato, thinly sliced into rounds

2-3 green chillies (serranos or jalapenos) slit and sliced

Handful of cilantro chopped

Batter:

1 Cup Besan (chick pea flour)

1 tbsp rice flour

Canola Oil for frying

Salt to taste

Spice mixture for the batter: 1/4 tsp of turmeric, pinch of hing, 1 tsp of chili pdr. 1/2 tsp of coriander powder, salt to taste.

Mix in the spice mixture into the besan and rice flour, add water to mix carefully , make sure no lumps. Dip the cut/sliced vegetables into the batter and deep fry till golden brown. I like to mix them all to get mixed flavors in the pakodis, but they could be individually fried too.

Serve hot with ketchup or coriander chutney.

Adrak vaali Chai :(Ginger tea)

Boil about 2 cups of water with sliced ginger and a pinch of chai masala ( readymade) or some crushed cardamom seeds along with 3 bags of PGTIPS tea. Let it brew for a couple of minutes add milk and sugar to taste. It is excellent accompanyment to the pakoris and also by itself or tea biscuits.