Monday, February 2, 2009

Batter Dipped Crispy Fried Spinach

Now that's the kind of title I was trying to work out for some time. Something that not just sounds different but tests different as well :)

One of the vegetable sellers near my house sells only leafy vegetables. I saw fresh bunches of Spinach on sell this evening and started to wonder what new recipe I can try out with it (something quick!). This idea of crisp frying the spinach was in my head since sometime now (cooking there!).

Here comes a recipe which is inspired from traditional Indian snack recipe - Bhajji or Pakoda. While the batter may be the same, it's unusual to crisp fry the spinach leaves. Traditionally the Spinach leaves will be shredded/chopped and added to a thick batter. And thick balls made from the batter mix would be fried. Instead of chopping the leaves, I have tried to use it whole!

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Ingredients:

* Fresh spinach leaves cleaned & washed (retain the stems )



* Batter:

  • Gram flour
  • Chilly powder
  • Turmeric powder ( a pinch of)
  • Asafoetida (a pinch of)
  • Coriander and cumin seed powder
  • Cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste
* Oil for frying

Steps:
  1. Wash and clean the spinach leaves. Retain the long stems, which can be used to hold the crispy hot leaves when served. It also makes the dish look great and different.



  2. Mix the ingredients for the batter. Add a little water and stir it nicely. Make sure no lumps are formed. Taste the batter and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Maintain a semi-thick consistency.



  3. Heat oil in a pan.
  4. Dip the spinach leaf in the batter one at a time. Make sure the leaf is coated on the both sides with the batter.



  5. Release the coated leaf in the hot oil for a crispy fry. Fry on both the sides for 20-30 seconds (depending on the temperature of the oil). If you fry in a small pan you can manage the leaf using the stem itself.
  6. Set aside on a paper tissue for 3-4 minutes to soak the excess oil.



  7. Serve with mint chutney or any sauce that you like.
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This recipe makes a good choice as a tea time snack or quick recipe for sudden guests!

Enjoy!

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