Pakora (Afghan Potato Fritters)

Pakoras are basically any type of breaded fried vegetable (onion, cauliflower, eggplant or potatoes). There are different  ways to prepares pakoras. One way is to place sliced potatoes inside of a thick batter and then fries the potato. The other way is to prepare a mashed potato mixture and then coats this with bread crumbs and fries the potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 C besan chickpea flour, you can substitute regular flour)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 C water (more or less)
• Assorted vegetables: cauliflower, potato, eggplant, carrots, onions, spicy peppers
• 4-6 C vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Batter: combine first 5 dry ingredients; then add water, beating vigorously. Or use a blender. Add as much water as you need to get the consistency of pancake batter. Let batter rest for 30 minutes.
2. Vegetables: slice vegetables in 1/4" rounds, or thinly so they will cook easily. 
3. Deep Fry: in a wok or deep skillet, heat oil to 350. Dip vegetables into batter and deep fry in batches, 2 minutes, flip, then 2 minutes more, till they become golden brown. Drain on towels.