These "onion fritters' or "Bird's Nest" as Trader Joe's calls them is so easy, especially if you are able to order the chic pea flour/besan in advance. I can't believe Amazon sells it and it could be at your door the next day (depending on where you live, of course) and this is not a sponsored site :)
This is one of those dishes that is SO easy that as an Indian, it feels kind of embarrassing to put on a cooking blog if you think of other Indian housewives. However, as someone who has struggled as an immigrant to make Indian food my own, without any of the "prep" help, and cringes every time as I pay five dollars for two pieces of pakora, I feel like this is a needed post. Especially if things like frozen "birds nests" and "vegetable fritters" are flying off the shelf at Trader Joe's and Costco. I kinda feel like people who are comfortable in the kitchen ought to know what is possible with some onions and chic pea flour through shopping at Amazon!
This post is actually inspired by a girlfriend of mine who just contacted me about food for her bookclub...samosas to be specific; my workshop that she had taken. In chatting with her, I was reminded that an equally delicious but much simpler, quicker and gluten free appetizer could be whipped up. So here it is.
Just a quick note that sliced bell peppers or grated carrots can easily be added to this dish to make it more colorful and "guilt free" perhaps? 🤣Only reminded is to keep the proportions same - 2 cups sliced veggies to 1 cup chic pea flour.
Now, there are two ways to go with condiments. The traditional Indian way is of course with some chutney - mint/cilantro or a mixture of both. But, you could also go with a combination of good old ketchup and sriracha. Yup, that's right!
And finally, I'm always interested in if there is a possibility of prep ahead for a dish and this one definitely falls into that category
You can mix all ingredients, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. When you take out of refrigerator, it can be "watery" and that's fine. Just re-mix it and let it come to room temperature and proceed to frying!
Enjoy and as always, if try it and care to leave a comment, it will be greatly appreciated 🙏🏼
INGREDIENTS:
2 onions (any kind) sliced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger or ginger paste
1 tsp kasuri methi
1/2 turmeric powder
1 tsp chopped (Thai or Serrano) chilli; to taste or optional
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tbs finely chopped cilantro or mint or both
Ajwain (carom) seeds or Jeera (cumin) seeds; optional but definitely adds flavor
1 cup chic pea flour
2 tablespoon yogurt (Greek, European - sour is good :)
Vegetable oil for frying.
PROCESS:
Take a deep tupper ware and add all the ingredients in.
Stir and set aside to sweat for 15 minutes or more.
Get a medium sized pan or wok ready; add the vegetable oil and heat on high.
Have a cookie rack ready for the pakoras or fritters.
Using a fork, spoon small quantities in being careful to leave enough room for breathing.
As soon at the edges start browning, less that 30 secs, flip sides for another 30 or so.
Remove and place on rack to cool.
Serve with chutney/ or ketchup/or a combination of Ketcup and Sriracha ;)
Please email me at lovecookyoga@gmail.com if anything is unclear or if you have any questions. If you try this recipe and it works for you or made modifications, please leave a comment to let the community know.
Thanks!