South Indian-Style Okra Fritters

These are a specialty from southern coast of India. These stay crisp for a day or two. Serve as an accompaniment to rice.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 145 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 green chile pepper, finely chopped
• ½ pound okra, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons rice flour, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon chickpea (garbanzo bean) flour, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Mix okra, green chile pepper, cilantro, shortening, salt, and ginger together in a bowl. Knead rice flour and chickpea flour into the okra mixture to get a stiff dough.

Step 3

Wet one hand and use to hold the dough ball. Break small marble-size bits from the dough ball and drop into the hot oil, taking care to not overcrowd the pan; fry until golden brown and crisp. 7 to 10 minutes. Remove fritters to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Repeat cooking until dough is completely used, refilling and reheating oil as needed.