Brown bread has more fiber and nutrients than white bread. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It helps to keep blood sugar at lower levels. For women it protects them from cancer and gallstones.
Chick peas are good source of protein, boosts iron, lowers bad cholesterol,wards off hunger cravings and protects women against osteoporosis.
The recipe given below is very easy to make and a tasty snack for evening tea. A batter is made from Indian spices, garlic, chillies and chickpea flour. Bread slices are cut and dipped in this batter and deep fried in oil.
INGREDIENTS
Brown bread slices 2
Chick pea/Besan flour 1 tea cup
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Water 3/4 tea cup
Sunflower oil for frying
Salt to taste
FOR GRINDING
Garlic cloves 4-5
Coriander leaves 1/4 tea cup
Carom seeds/Ajwain 1/2 tsp
Cumin/jeera 1/2 tsp
Fennel/saunf 1/2 tsp
Green chilli 1-2(optional)
FOR THE GREEN CHUTNEY /SAUCE
Coriander leaves 1 cup
Hung curd 2 tbsp
Green chilli 1
Ginger 1 inch piece
Lemon juice 2 tsp
Salt to taste
METHOD
In a bowl mix besan/chick pea flour,turmeric powder and salt. Add water slowly to make a smooth batter. (Batter consistency should be of dosa batter/pancake)
In a mortar and pestle or a blender crush and grind coarsely garlic, coriander leaves, ajwain, jeera, saunf and green chillies.
Add the above in the besan batter.
Remove the crust from all sides of the bread. Cut the slice according to whatever shape you want. I have cut lengthwise into 3 equal parts and breadthwise into three equal parts.
Heat oil for deep frying and while frying it should be on medium heat.To see whether oil is ready put little batter, it will come up. Dip the bread slices in the batter on both sides with a spoon and put it in the oil. Fry on both sides in the oil till golden brown.
For the green chutney blend curd, coriander leaves, ginger, salt, chilli and lemon juice.
Serve hot bread pakoras with coriander chutney