Super Bowl chaat

Eat superior snacks as you watch the Bears trounce the Colts

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Untitled Document I know little about the upcoming football showdown (it’s in Miami, correct?), and, frankly, I don’t care. What’s important is the need for superior snacks for a marathon session in front of the television. Movie-awards buffs will need similar sustenance just a few weeks later for the Academy Awards. For inspiration, I turn to India and South Asia, where cricket matches last for days and the only thing that sustains weary spectators is a nonstop supply of chaat — savory snacks. Wave sayonara to the chip ’n dip combo and say hello to pakoras, deep-fried veggie fritters made from a highly spiced chickpea-flour batter. And don’t worry, the “dip” stays, but in this case it’s a refreshing, herby-green chutney that will do touchdowns on your tongue. Invite your guests during the pregame blabfest and enlist a few to prep and fry, which will take about an hour. Make enough for kickoff, and then, during halftime, fire up the oil again for another batch. I promise they’ll go fast. And yes, pakoras go great with beer.

Culinary questions? Contact Kim O’Donnel at [email protected].

VEGETABLE PAKORAS

Adapted from Lord Krishna’s Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking, by Yamuna Devi, with help from Marthannah Stevens of Boston
Batter:
2 cups chickpea flour (also known as besan or
gram flour) 1 teaspoon baking powder (use if you like a
puffier result) 3/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon coriander 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (available at Southeast
Asian groceries) 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional) Approximately 1 1/2 cups cold water 1 quart vegetable oil Veggie options: Rounds of zucchini or sweet potatoes, bell-pepper rectangles, eggplant rounds (small, thinner eggplants), cauliflower florets, spinach leaves
With a rubber spatula, mix all batter ingredients, except for the water, to combine. Add water gradually, mixing well after each addition, and continue until batter is the consistency of pancake batter. Let rest for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, either prep vegetables or make green chutney.

Heat oil in a heavy, deep pot or a wok until the temperature reaches 335 degrees. Alternatively, test oil with a spoonful of batter, which bubbles in response when ready.
Zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper require a medium-consistency batter. More delicate items, such as spinach leaves, require a thinner batter. For a mixed order, prepare the heavy-batter items first, then water down batter as needed for more delicate pieces. Dip veggies into batter, completely coating the surface. With a pair of tongs, place the veggies in hot oil and let cook until medium golden brown. Turn with tongs to brown on both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels. Eat while pakoras are still warm and serve with chutney.
Green chutney
Large handful chopped fresh cilantro leaves Small handful chopped and stemmed mint leaves 1/2 inch gingerroot, peeled and finely chopped One or two cloves of garlic, chopped One plum tomato One small green chile, seeded and diced
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined. Add salt to taste. Serve at room temperature.

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