Kids get hungry at random hours and their random hunger levels seem to be directly proportional to the intensity of the rain outside! The first snack that comes to mind during the monsoons is invariably pakoda. But by now, most of us are tired of the same old bread pakoda or aloo pakoda, and we'd rather have something different, which preferably avoids besan. That's how I came up with this pakoda recipe that uses poha instead, making it lighter. So here we have a palak poha pakoda recipe - full of flavour and health and easy on the stomach - a perfect monsoon snack!
Ingredients:
- Poha - 2 1/2 bowl
- Palak - 1 bowl finely chopped (You can try 100% Organic Brown Rice Poha)
- Moong dal - 1/2 bowl
- Coriander - 1/2 or 1 bowl as per your requirement
- Salt - as per taste
- Chilli - either green chillies or red chilli powder as per your taste and requirement
Method:
1. Wash and soak dal for 5 minutes and then put it in boiling water for 15 minutes. The dal will soak up some water and become tender.
2. Run water through the poha for a minute and then let the water drain completely. Put it in a bowl with the palak and coriander.
3. Add the dal, salt and spices to the poha and mix till it forms a dough.
4. Make small balls or cylindrical shapes from the dough. You can also make them into small patties for cutlets.
5. If making cutlets, shallow fry the dough shapes. If making pakodas, deep fry in sufficient oil and drain on kitchen paper before serving.
When I make this recipe I divide the ingredients to make two separate dough - one without chilies for the kids and the other with loads of green chills and ginger to give it a strong flavor for the rest of the family. These pakodas are so easy and are also perfect for when the kids return from school. Just prepare the pakoda balls in the morning and refrigerate; fry just before serving. These pakodas go great with tomato sauce, and the mix of bright green and red will have the kids excited before they even taste these treats!
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