Recipe Of The Week | Onion Bhajis

Onion Bhaji's

Classic Recipe for Authentic Onion Bhaji's by Virani

Preparation Time 15-20mins
Cooking Time 45-50mins

Ingredients Required:
8 oz pure gram flour, 1 tbsp rice flour, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbs dhana jeera powder, 2 tsp chilli powder, 1/4 tbsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp salt, 2 large onions, cut in half and sliced finely, 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander, 7 fl oz water, oil for deep frying.

Method:
1] sieve the gram flour into a large bowl, then mix in all the remaining dry ingredients together with the onion slices and chopped coriander.
2] gradually add water, mixing thoroughly until a thick batter is formed and the onions are well coated.
3] heat the oil to a depth of 2''-3'' in a wok or karahi over a medium heat. To check when the oil is correct temperature and ready to use, trial a drop of the batter - it should rise immediately to the surface without turning brown.
4] now the oil is at the correct temperature you can drop heaped tsp's of batter into the oil and fry. Place only a few in at a time and do not make them to large, otherwise the centre will not cook through. Turn them if necessary and fry for approx 5 mins until golden brown.
5] repeat until all bhajis are cooked, allowing time for the oil to reheat between each batch.
6] drain excess oil on absorbant paper. Serve.

The above recipe is from Virani's acclaimed cookery book 'the flavours of gujarat' and one of my favourites, packed with interesting spices,ingredients and flavours that work well together - especially the seasme seeds!

Enjoy!

Helen
the team
www.theasiancookshop.co.uk

Recipe Of The Week | Chicken in Spices & Yoghurt Curry

Chicken in Spicy Yoghurt Curry Sauce

Great Tasting Chicken Curry from Pakistan's Favourite Laziza

Ingredients Required:

Chicken 1kg
Yoghurt [beaten] 250g
Onion finely sliced 250g
Cooking Oil/Ghee 200g
Ginger finely sliced 30g
Laziza Chicken Masala one bag

Easy Steps:

1] Fry onion till golden, remove from oil and spread on absorbent paper. When crisp, crush it and keep aside [avoid very fine grinding or making paste]
2] In same oil put chicken, laziza chicken masala [one bag] beaten yoghurt and fry for 5 mins. Add 1-2 cups of water, cover and cook on low flame until meat is tender.
3] Add the crushen fried onion, stir for a while and cook on low flame until ghee/oil seperates from the gravy.

Tips: [1] for an enhanced taste add 1-2 tbsp of fine ginger shreds during step 2. [2] do not use overburnt or dark brown fried onion. [3] the yoghurt should not be too sour - try a natural plain set yoghurt.

Laziza Chicken Masala is available to buy online at the asian cookshop here http://www.theasiancookshop.co.uk/laziza-chicken-masala-spice-mix-100g-191-p.asp

Enjoy!

Helen
the team
www.theasiancookshop.co.uk