Cauliflower Pakoda

Ingredients:

•1 medium sized cauliflower or gobi
•2 cups besan/gram flour
•½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste
•½ tsp red chili powder
•¼ tsp garam masala powder
•a pinch of turmeric powder or haldi
•a pinch of baking soda or baking powder (optional)
•water - add as required to make a thick flowing batter
•oil for deep frying or shallow frying the pakodas
 salt as required
•½ tsp lemon juice to be sprinkled (optional)


Method:

1.boil enough water with salt.
2.break or chop the cauliflower in medium sized florets.
3.rinse them well and add them to the boiling water.
4.switch off the flame and let the cauliflower florets be immersed in the water for 10-12 minutes.
5.drain and then marinate the cauliflower with red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala powder. mix very well and keep aside for 8-10 minutes.
6.in another bowl, make a smooth batter with the besan/gram flour, baking soda or baking powder, salt and water.
7.heat oil in a kadai or deep fryer.
8.take each marinated cauliflower and dip in the batter.
9.coat each floret with the batter and add these in the medium hot oil.
10.fry till the pakoras are crisp and golden evenly.
11.drain on paper towels.
12.serve the gobi pakora hot or warm with any green chutney or sauce, sprinkled with chaat masala, lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves.