Onion Pakoda

By the continuance of rain the world is preserved in existence; it is therefore worthy to be called ambrosia. - Thirukkural

Onion pakoda

Onions are rich source of fiber and healthy sulphur compounds.  Onions also have cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. Onions inhibit bone loss in menopausal women. Onion has flavonoid which inhibits tumor growth. Onions have vitamin C and chromium – that helps cells respond to insulin ultimately assisting with blood glucose control.

Onion pakoda or thool pakoda is a crispy deep fried snack made out of chickpea flour. It is a best tea time snack, also it can be served with any kind of variety rice.

Ingredients

• Chickpea flour- 1 cup
• Rice flour - 1 cup
• Onion chopped- 1cup
• Baking soda - a pinch
• Butter/margarine- 2tsp
• Ginger - small piece
• Green chilies - 1
• Coriander seeds - 1tsp
• Curry leaves – 1 sprig
• Salt - to taste

Procedure

1. Grind green chilies, ginger and coriander seeds in a mixer grinder.  Grind it coarsely.
2. Take chickpea flour, rice flour, baking soda, butter, grounded spices, onion and salt in a  separate vessel.
3. Mix it well without water , let it rest for one hour and then make a slightly stiff dough.
4. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the pakodas until golden brown. Fry curry leaves in the hot oil and add it to the fried pakodas.

Note: Minced garlic can also be added to the dough to give extra flavor.

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Sweet potato masala pie

Love begets desire: and that (desire) begets the immeasurable excellence of friendship. – Thirukkural

Sweet potato masala pie

Sweet potatoes are excellent source of fiber. They contain large amount of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps keep the walls of these important blood passageways flexible and healthy which allows blood to flow freely. Sweet potatoes contain high amount of potassium. Potassium plays an important role in lowering blood pressure. These are also rich in beta carotene or vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are rich in manganese, vitamins C and E.

Ingredients for sweet potato masala:

•   Onion chopped – 1/2 cup
•   Tomato chopped – 1 /2 cup
•   Ginger garlic paste – 1/2 tsp
•   Green chilies – 1 to 2 (adjust to your taste)
•   Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
•   Red chilli powder – 1/2tsp
•   Coriander powder – 1tsp
•   Boiled sweet potato – 2 cups 
•  Coriander leaves and mint leaves – ½ cup (optional)

For tempering:

• Fennel seeds – 1 tsp        
• Cloves – 4
• Cardamom – 2  
• Cinnamon – 2 (1 inch)
• Oil – 3 tsp

Procedure:

1.    In a pan add 2 tsp oil add the ingredients mentioned in tempering one by one. Then add onion, fry till it is translucent. Add ginger garlic paste, fry for 5 minutes till the raw smell goes away.
2.  Then add green chilies and tomato, fry them for another 5 minutes. Add boiled and mashed sweet potatoes. Also add turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, and then cook in medium heat until the oil separates out from the gravy and Simmer it for some more minutes.
3.  Garnish with coriander leaves and mint leaves.

Ingredients for pie crust

• APF – 1 cup
• Chilled butter – ½ cup ( one stick)
• Cold water – 5-6 tsp
• Sugar – 1 tsp
• Salt to taste.

Procedure for Pie preparation:

1. Mix all the above ingredients and make a dough. Let it rest in fridge for at least one hour.
2. Then keep it in room temperature for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat oven at 350 degree F.
4. Divide dough into 2 parts, one part bigger than the other part. Bigger part should be used for the pie base. Roll out 2 circles using a rolling pin,
5. Grease pie plate and roll dough into a circle of medium thickness and apply it over the pie plate and trim the edges.
6. Then cover pie base with enough masala fillings and cover it with rolled out dough.
7. Brush milk on top of the pie.
8. Bake it in the oven for 40 – 50 minutes or until the crust turns brown.

Note: Mixed vegetables masala can also be used for this pie.

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