Indian Potato Fritters Food

CURRIED POTATO FRITTERS

Steps:

• Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and microwave until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Peel the potatoes, then transfer to a large bowl and mash with a fork until almost smooth. Mix in the cottage cheese, peas, curry powder, 2 tablespoons flour and 2 teaspoons salt. Let cool to room temperature. Heat about 2 inches vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Put 1 cup flour in another bowl and the panko in a third bowl. Form the potato mixture into about 24 golf ball-size portions, then gently flatten into 2-inch patties. Dredge each patty in the flour, shake off any excess, dip in the eggs, then dredge in the panko, turning to coat. Fry the patties in batches until golden, turning as needed, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Serve with chutney. Photograph by Andrew Mccaul

BONDA OR BATATA VADA (SPICED POTATO BALL FRITTERS)

Steps:

• Peel the cooked and cooled potatoes and crush them. You are aiming for a very coarse version of mashed potatoes.
• Put the 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium, preferably nonstick frying pan and set over medium heat. When hot, add the asafetida. A second later, add the mustard seeds. As soon as they pop, a matter of seconds, add the onions, ginger, green chilies, cumin, and fresh cilantro. Stir for a minute. Add the crushed potatoes, lime juice, and salt. Turn the heat to low and mix all the ingredients well. Taste for balance of flavors and make adjustments, if needed. Set aside until cool enough to handle, then make 16 balls, each about 1- inches in diameter. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Combine all the ingredients for the batter in a bowl. Slowly add water, about 2 tablespoons less than 1 cup, mixing and breaking up any lumps as you go. You should have a thick but flowing batter.
• Put a 2 inch depth of oil in a deep frying pan, wok, or karhai and set over medium-low heat. Give it time to get hot.
• Dip a potato ball in the batter, making sure it is well covered. Carefully lower it into the hot oil. Do this rapidly with half the balls. Fry, turning frequently for 5-6 minutes or until the outside batter looks crisp. It should not turn dark. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Make a second batch the same way.
• Serve while still crisp and hot.