Besan Pakora (Gram Flour Fritters) in Microwave

          One can't resist the temptation of deep fried pakoras. However, there is always a guilt attached while enjoying them. A healthy alternative to deep fried pakoras is microwaving them (either oil free or with minimal oil). They come out as crispy as their deep fried counterparts and are equally yummy as well.

          For snacks, I made these quick besan pakoras that you should definitely try out. In fact, they are very easy to prepare and are completely hassle free. They go absolutely well with any homemade chutney, sauce, hummus or any kind of dip of your preference. Check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this healthy monsoon delight.

• 1 cup besan / gram flour 
• salt to taste
• pinch of turmeric powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 1 tsp. flaxseeds
• 1 tsp. oil + 1/2 tsp. to grease
• 1 tsp. kasuri methi, crushed
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• pinch of pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp. red chili flakes

          In a bowl, mix all the ingredients. Add little water at a time and make a soft dough. Cover and keep aside for 15 minutes. 

          In a greased microwave safe plate, place dollops of the dough and cook on micro power for 4-5 minutes. Midway turn the pakoras to cook evenly. 

          Serve these healthy snacks as an appetizer with sauce, chutney, hummus, dip or as a tea time snack. 


          

                      Mix all ingredients. Add little & make a soft dough. Cover & keep aside
                      for 15 minutes. 

                      In a greased microwave safe plate, place dollops of the dough.

                       Cook on micro power for 4-5 minutes. Midway turn pakoras to cook.

                          Serve as an appetizer with sauce, chutney, hummus, dip or as a 
                          tea time snack. 

Bhindi & Masala Boondi Stir Fry (Okra - Fried Fritters Stir Fry)

          You must have had bhindi (okra) curry many times and it is cooked in many ways. But how about pairing it with some masala boondi? This is just what I did and surprisingly it turned out very tasty. It is a simple stir fry side dish with minimum of spices. 

          Please note - there is no onion or garlic in this recipe. The end product has a nice crunch in it because of the boondi. Relish it as a side dish with any type of flat bread or rice. Alternately it can be wrapped in roti / paratha for a quick lunch box meal.

• 300 gms. bhindi (okra), chopped
• 1-2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. kalonji (nigella seeds)
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• pinch of fenugreek seeds
• 1-2 dry red chilies, broken into half
• 1 tsp. ginger, finely chopped
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander-cumin powder
• 1/2 cup masala boondi

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with dry red chilies, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds. nigella seeds and ginger. Sauté for a few seconds and then add the potatoes. Fry till it is slightly brown.

          Now add the okra, and all the dry spices. Mix everything well and cook, covered on a medium to low flame till done. Sprinkle water if required.

          Add the boondi and give it a stir. Switch off the flame and keep it covered for 2-3 minutes. Serve as a side dish with chapatti, parathas or any flat bread or rice.