Pakora Batter

1 1/3 c Chick pea flour, sifted

2 ts Ghee

1 tb Lemon juice

1/4 ts Cayenne

1/2 ts Turmeric

1 ts Garam masala

2 ts Coriander

1 ts Salt

9 tb Cold water, as needed

1/3 ts Baking powder, optional

Combine the flour, melted ghee, lemon juice, spices & salt in a bowl & mix together well. Add 5 tb of cold water slowly, beating it until the mixture is smooth & free of lumps. Slowly add another 3 tb water & continue to beat until well mixed. Check the conssitency, it should resemble the consistency of heavy cream & easily coat a spoon. If it does not, add more water, till it does. Cover the batter & set aside for 10 to 15 minutes to let it settle. Beat again for a couple of minutes to lighten the batter. Stir in the baking powder at this point if you want a cake like crust. For pakoras, choose a selection of your favourite vegetables: Cauliflower florets Eggplant cut into 1/4-inch rounds Potatoes or yams cut into 1/8-inch rounds Bell peppers, sliced 1/4-inch thick Zucchini, cut on the diagonal, 1/4-inch thick Asparagus tips, blanched & dried Heat 3 inches of ghee in a wok or deep skillet till hot. Dip your vegetables in the batter & one by one sloip them into the hot oil. Fry until the pakoras are golden brown on all sides. Remove & drain on paper towels. Serve immediately. Yamuna Devi, "The Art of Indian Cooking"