Pakora

Street vendors in Suva, Fiji

Pakora is an Indian dish of fried veggies. I spent a dive vacation in Fiji once where most of the restaurants are Indian. Some of the best Indian food was found at the little street vendors along the streets in the bigger cities. Yes, I always eat at the little street vendors when traveling because that is always the best and most authentic foods of the area. I haven't been sick yet. I will also ask the locals where they eat not where the tourists eat. Pakora is served with different types of chutney and yogurt sauces. 

1 c............. Garbanzo Flour
1½ tsp....... Salt
½ tsp......... Onion Powder
½ tsp......... Garlic Powder
¾ c............ Water
1 ea........... Veggies
3-4 c.......... Peanut oil

1.   Mix all ingredients except the veggies and oil and let set for about 30 minutes.

2.   Heat oil in a deep heavy bottomed pot.

3.   Cut veggies into slices and dip into batter.

4.   Fry until golden brown.

The veggies I like to use are boiled potato, onion, zucchini, and broccoli but any can be used. I found the Garbanzo flour at our local health food store along with the other flours. I use peanut oil for frying because it has a high smoke point, which is when the oil will start to smoke.  Peanut oil has a smoke point of about 450°F where olive oil’s about 350°F.  However, some people have allergies to peanuts so you need to stay away from it in that case.  Sunflower oil is almost the same as peanut oil and Canola oil’s is about 400°F.  Ok, so why am I talking about smoke points???  It’s because the hotter the oil the less oil absorption.  With less oil absorption the more we can eat.  This dish is gluten free.

Be creative, have fun and enjoy!