Bhang Pakoras For Holi ! (Marijuana Fritters)

Holi Hai! Time for some masti and some fun. Its good to let your inner child awaken during a festival such as holi and indulge in some fried goodies such as Bhang pakoras. It will make you happy ‘guaranteed'( but of course eat responsibly- for your senses and waistline alike).

Recipe for Bhang Pakoras

Ingredients:

2 cups besan (chick pea flour)
2 large onions finely sliced or cubed.
one big bunch of bhang leaves,chopped.
one small bunch of methi (fenugreek) leaves.
2 large potatoes peeled and chopped.
3/4 cup or more water (can be adjusted).
7 or 8 coves of garlic peeled and mashed.
1/2 tsp ajwain (carom seeds).
1 tsp red chilli powder.
1/2 tsp anardana powder (optional).
salt to taste.
oil for frying (vegetable oil or groundnut oil is suitable).

Method:

Wash and chop the bhang leaves and methi. If fresh methi is not available, you may use dry leaves (kasturi methi). The purpose is just to add flavour to the dish. Make a thick paste of the besan with water, ensuring that there are no lumps. Add water gradually. The paste should not be too thick or too thin. It must not be a runny batter. Add all the ingredients to this paste and mix well. If need be add more water and again mix. If by chance mixture becomes too thin add some more besan. Heat the oil to a high temperature in a deep pan or wok. Drop small dumplings of the mixture into the hot oil with the help of your fingers and thumb.If you find this difficult you can also fill up the mixture in one table spoon and use another table spoon to slide it into the wok. Reduce heat to medium. Let fry to lightly golden brown but not fully done. Remove from the wok with the help of a strainer. Continue in small batches till all the pakoras are made. Now press each pakora lightly with a small cup (katori) to flatten it slightly and again deep fry till crisp and golden. Serve hot with mint chutney and tomato sauce.

The idea for second time fry is to make the pakoras nice and crisp. The health conscious people can also use the air fryer very effectively for the second time fry. The pakoras can be made a few hours in advance (only once fried) before your guests start coming for Holi. Pop them in your wok or air fryer , when your guests arrive, and surprise them with the crispy delight!

Be responsible, be safe. Have a Happy Holi!!