Kale pakodas

Just when we thought that we had enough recipes of kale, here is another recipe that is using the super green. We have all heard of kale chips, right? Well that's yesterday's news. Here is the unique way to enjoy the super green, kale. It is the best recipe to use for entertaining and you feel good about eating it. Best of all, it falls under the categories of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian. This recipe is will be a part of your repertoire not only because of it is good for you, but  it is also addictive.

Kale pakoda

 Serves:6-8

1. 2 cups chickpea flour
2. 1/2 cup rice flour
3. 1 green chili such as serrano, minced
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 1 teaspoon cayenne
6. 1 teaspoon ajwain seeds, crushed in motor and pestle*
7. 1 teaspoon amchoor (dry raw mango powder)*
8. 2 tablespoons hot oil + for frying
9. 1 pound kale, vines removed and chopped

Mix chickpea flour, rice flour, serrano, salt, cayenne, ajwain, amchoor and 2 tablespoons hot oil and mix together in a bowl.

Add 1/2 a cup of water and make a stiff dough. Add kale and mix in and make a stiff batter.

Heat oil in the wok to 350 C and drop half a tablespoon of batter at a time into the hot oil using your fingers.

Fry until golden brown and serve.

**Ajwain seeds and amchoor powder available at Indian grocery stores.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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French Country Cottage
Foodie Friday
wow-us-Wednesday

Homemade Gifts-Cocktail Nuts

This post is part of my homemade Christmas gifts series.
 As the Christmas is coming closer I am busy building my inventory for homemade gifts from my kitchen.  I am some one who truly believes in homemade gifts. I like to put my personal stamp on the gift I am giving including the gift wrap. A jar of spicy-sweet cocktail nuts are sure to be a hit at any party. These nuts are not only delicious and super easy to make, but they are also vegan and gluten free.

Cocktail nuts

Nuts are perfect go to snack. A handful of these mixed nuts, seasoned with aromatic spices, will surely satisfy your cravings for a crunchy snack

Yield: 5 cups

·         5 cups mixed nuts such as almonds, cashews, and pecans.

·         4 tablespoons organic blue agave

·         4 tablespoons  coconut oil, melted

·         1 teaspoon cayenne

·         ½ teaspoon cinnamon

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• Preheat oven to 350˚F
• Place nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 10 -12 minutes, while stirring once or twice with a spatula to make sure all the nuts are toasting evenly. 
• Meanwhile, mix the remaining six ingredients in a medium bowl. Add warm nuts to the bowl and stir until all the nuts are coated with species. 
• Return nuts to the baking sheet and toast for another 10 – 12 minutes. Let them cool down a bit before serving. 

 Pack the nuts neatly in glass jars. Tie it with raffia and berries for a festive touch.Voila! Your homemade gift is ready.

*The recipe for cocktail nuts are adopted from my new cookbook, Trader Joe's Simply Indian. 

Trader Joe's Simply Indian (both printed and kindle version) is available to buy at Amazon. Trader Joe's Simply Indian is a compilation of gourmet Indian recipes made from fresh and ready to use ingredients available at Trader Joe's.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes), please check out my book, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen, at my website komalinunna.com.

Sharing at:
Wow-Us- Wednesday 
Common Ground 
Tablescape thursday 
French Country Cottage 
Common Ground 
Show and Tell 
Foodie Friday
Pink Saturday  
Seasonal Sundays