Gobi/Cauliflower Pakodas

Hi friends ! You have probably heard that the most nutritious foods are the ones that are the most colorful. There are even several fad diets that tell you to avoid any white or colorless food, but don’t write off cauliflower and other white veggies just yet. Try out this easy tea time, healthy and delicious snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium size Cauliflower , florets separated
• 2 1/2 cups Besan /Chickpea/ Bengal gram flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/2 tsp ajwain/ Carom seeds
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 1/2 level tsp Salt/ or salt to taste
• Water to prepare a thick batter
• Oil, for deep frying

Method:

Step 1.

Wash the Cauliflower florets very well and soak in water with two table spoons of table salt for two hours at room temperature. (this is essential for disinfecting the florets of invisible bacteria.)

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take Besan /Chickpea/ Bengal gram flour,rice flour , salt, ajwain / Carom seeds,  baking soda, and red chili powder.

Step 3.

Gradually add water to the besan/Chickpea/ Bengal gram, rice flour and spices mix to make a thick, yet flowing consistency batter.

Step 4.

Meanwhile heat oil in a kadai/ wok for deep frying.

Step 5.

Drop small portion of batter into the hot oil and if it comes to surface of the oil immediately, oil is ready for deep frying.

Step 6.

Take one floret at a time, dip in the batter nicely and gently slid in to the hot oil on medium flame. Put around 5-6 florets at a time. Do not over crowd the kadai / wok with pakodas. Flip them gently in between to let them fry evenly until they are 70 % fried.

Step 7.

Drain the partially fried pakodas onto a kitchen tissue and repeat the same process with the remaining florets to make all the pakodas.

Step 8.

When all the florets are partially fried, press each partially fried pakodas (one by one ) with the rolling pin, gently, and deep fry again to get well cooked, crisp pakodas.

Step 9.

Drain the fried pakodas on paper kitchen towel to drain out extra oil. Serve hot delicious pakodas with Green chutney /Tomato sauce and a cup of Indian masala tea to enjoy this tasty snack !

 

Possible health benefits of consuming cauliflower:

Cauliflower contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer, fiber that helps with satiety, weight loss and a healthy digestive tract.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many adverse health conditions.

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like cauliflower decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.

Cancer

Cauliflower contains antioxidants that help prevent cellular mutations and reduce oxidative stress from free radicals. One of these is indole-3-carbinol or I3C, commonly found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower/ I3C has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and reproductive cancers in men and women.

Digestion

Cauliflower is high in both fiber and water content, which helps to prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer. Adequate fiber promotes regularity, which is crucial for the daily excretion toxins through the bile and stool, but good digestion is far from all that fiber can do for your body.

 

Memory

Choline is a very important and versatile “vitamin-like factor” in cauliflower that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.³

Strong bones

Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture and osteoporosis. Adequate vitamin K consumption improves bone health by acting as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improving calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium.

Ref.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282844.php

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

• Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
• Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
• Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
• If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
• Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.