Pakoras

until very hot. Add batter-coated vegetables, a few pieces at a time; fry until golden brown (cooking time varies from 3 to 10 minutes). If oil begins to spatter or smoke, reduce heat to medium.

Drain vegetables on paper towels. Serve hot. Eggplant: Cut 1 medium unpeeled eggplant into wedges. Add 2 tablespoons khus-khus (white poppy seeds) to batter, if desired. Dip eggplant in batter and fry 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Potatoes: Cut 3 large potatoes into thick slices. Dip into batter and fry 5 to 8 minutes, or until tender. Green Peppers: Cut 2 seeded green bell peppers into wedges. Dip into batter, and fry 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Mushrooms: Dip 1/2 pound of whole mushrooms into batter. Fry 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Onions: Cut 2 large peeled onions into thin slices; sprinkle with salt and allow to drain. Instead of usind batter, coat onion slices with besan mixed with 4 chopped scallions, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, and 1 minced green chile (optional). (You may coat several slices at a time to form a fritter or pancake.) Fry 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Recipe By : Adam Solomon