Batata Bhajji /Kapa

Batata Bhaji is an accompaniment to the main course. Sliced potatoes are dipped in gram flour batter and deep fried. It can even be served as an evening tea time snack. This accompaniment in very popular in Goa for festive as well as regular meal.

Measurement: 1 Cup = 180 ml
Serves: 3

Ingredients:

1. Potato (peeled & thinly sliced) - 2 medium
2. Oil - for deep frying
3. Salt to taste
4. Batter

For the Basic Batter:

1. Besan (gram flour) - 3/4 to 1 cup
2. Baking Soda - 1/4 tsp
3. Salt to taste 
4. Water - 3/4 to 1 cup approx

For the Seasonings:
Combination 1:

1. Asafoetida - 1/3 tsp
2. Turmeric powder - 1/3 tsp
3. Chilly powder - 1/3 tsp
4. Carom seeds - 1/4 tsp

Combination 2:

1. Asafoetida - 1/3 tsp
2. Turmeric powder - 1/3 tsp
3. Green chillies chopped - 1 to 2
4. Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
5. Coriander leaves (chopped) - 2 tsp

Procedure:

• Take water in a mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients and prepare a smooth basic batter. It should be of dropping consistency. You may use a wire whisk for mixing.
• Add seasonings either from combination 1 or combination 2. Mix well.
• Heat oil in deep frying pan. 
• Add a teaspoonful of hot oil to the batter and mix.
• Dip the sliced potatoes into the batter and drop in hot oil one by one. Deep fry on medium flame. Turn and fry on other side.
• Take out with the help of a slotted spoon.
• Place on an absorbent paper.
• Serve hot.

Tip:

• Seasonings can be avoided and only the basic batter used. 
• Similarly, lady's fingers, drumsticks, brinjal, breadfruit etc can be fried.