Thinking Sprouts! - Palak Lobia Chaat

Well, we really do not have a consistent thing so to speak for the new year, actually the only so called holidays we do something set and planned for is valentine's day where it is Anshul's job to figure out what to do and thankgiving which is my big thing. Actually Christmas is also becoming a tradition too, where we go to Laur's house who is probably the most amazing baker. Anyhow this year, we decided to go to the Indian restaurant Royal Palace that tends to do a news year's eve shing ding.

One of the good things about having generally low expectations is that you are less likely to be disappointed. Actually in this instance I was pleasantly surprized the food was very good and the bartender was very jovial and music appropriately noisy. They had this interesting appetizer that I had to come and try to re-create. Mine looks a little different, overall a somewhat complex preparation with all its multiple layers but in my opinion worth the effort! Actually the highlight of this exercise was sprouting my own lentils, I used small red lentils (lal lobia) and used the method loosely described here. I opted for the jar method.

Palak Lobia Chaat - Sprouted Lentils and Spinach Spiced Salad

Served 4-6 people

Ingredients

For the pakoras

1 cup besan (chick pea flour)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds
1 tsp red chili powder
2 green chillies minced
1 tbsp finely grated ginger
1 tsp black salt
1 bunch fresh spinach (not baby)
Oil for frying

Other Ingredients

1/2 cup tamarind chutney
1 cup yogurt
2 tsp chaat masala
1 tsp salt
1 onion chopped
1 tomato chopped
3/4 cup sprouted lentils
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Method of Preparation

1. Beat the besan to remove all the lumps and stir in the spices.
2. Add about 1 cup water to make a batter.
3. Heat the oil.
4. Stack the spinach leaves together (about 4-5 per pakora), remove any thick stems if needed and dip lightly into the batter (enough to coat and bind.
5. Fry on medium heat till well crisped and browned on both sides.
6. Set aside to drain on paper towels (we would need about 4 pakoras per person).
7. In a large bowl lightly toss this with the other ingredients and serve while the pakoras are still warm for a good contrast of textures and flavors.

A very interesting creation but I think this would be more of a meal than just a starter for me.