Baked Onion & Amaranth Greens Pakodas with Creamy Cauliflower Dip & Happy Republic Day

Freedom in Mind,

Faith in Words,
Pride in our Heart,
Memories in our Souls.
Lets Salute the Nation on
REPUBLIC DAY."

(Message Courtesy : Rediff)

With the patriotic fervor played to the hilt, my daughter looked forward to something different to spend her afternoon satiated. I could only think of Priya Mahadevan's Baked Pakodas & Cauliflower dip that not only was an indulgence uber healthy but also surprisingly tasty. 

Priya by the way is the Blogger of the Month at my space. It was a perfect opportunity for me to showcase two of the bookmarked recipes from her versatile blog.

Verdict :- That my daughter, a certified fried-food junkie gulped down the baked stuff with the dip, goes to prove that the snack is kid-friendly and the dip totally yum ; it goes without saying that I merrily indulged :))

Baked Amaranth Greens & Onion Pakodas (Fritters)

(Quantity : 10)

• Whole Wheat Flour - 70 to 75 grams approx (sifted)
• All Purpose Flour - 70 to 75 grams approx  (sifted)
• Baking Powder -  3/4 tbsp to1 tbsp
• Onion - 1 small - finely chopped
• Amaranth Greens (Mulai keerai) - a fistful - finely chopped
• Olive Oil - a generous splash
• Cheese - as required - optional - grated
• Milk - as required
• Chillis - 1 to 2 - to taste
• Salt - to taste

Here's How :-

In a bowl add the sifted flours and mix baking powder & salt. Add the chopped onion, chillis & the amarnath greens and mix well. Add grated cheese and tip in the olive oil & required milk to make it a lightly mushy dough (pakoda batter consistency).

Preheat the oven to 205 C/400 F and grease the muffin tray/individual muffin liners. Scrape in a tablespoon of the dough/batter in to the muffin pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or till you see the browning of the top.

Enjoy hot with tomato sauce/dip of your choice. I served them with creamy cauliflower dip.

Creamy Cauliflower Dip

• Cauliflower - 1 big head
• Milk - 1 cup (I used full cream milk)
• Garlic - 3 pods
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper Powder - 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp
• Olive Oil - a dribble or two
• Almonds/Pine nuts - Toasted (For Garnish)

Here's How :-

Cut the head in to small florets and let it soak in salinated hot water for a few minutes. In, the meanwhile warm a pan and add milk, along with pepper powder & garlic and bring it to a boil. Add the drained florets and let it cook till they turn sufficiently cooked & tender.

Toast some almonds or pine nuts and set aside.

Once the florets cool, grind it to a fine paste along with required salt and scoop it in to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted nuts and enjoy with savoury snacks/pita/sandwich spread/steamed veggies

Enjoy !


Linking the Cauliflower dip to Siri's Healing foods- cauliflower ; guest hosted by Vardhini