aloor chop, peyaji with jhalmuri.

As kids one of important attractions of train rides were the jhalmuri (puffed rice with spicy masala). I still don't know how the jhalmuriwala used to get in the trains when it was packed worse than a tin of sardines. Not only the jhalmuriwallah used to get on the train, they also would manage to mix the puffed rice with various spices and serve you one of the most delicious Calcutta style snacks within minutes.

A typical evening in Calcutta starts with muri telebhaja. Telebhaja is a generic term for various fritters that would be supplied by the local street side vendor.

So yesterday I decided to combine my two favorite snacks together for a trip down memory lane.

Peyaji (onion fritters)

Ingredients:
1 onion: chopped in concentric circles
green chili according to your taste
1/2 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp chopped coriander
1 pinch turmeric
1/2 tsp roasted cumin poweder
1/2 tsp rock salt
a pinch of amchoor
1/2 cup gram flour
1/4 cup rice flour

Method: Mix all the ingredients together with water to form a thick batter. Deep fry. Serve with a dash of black salt.

Aloor chop (Potato fritters)
Ingredients:
1 Boiled potato
1 tbsp ginger paste
Green chili according to taste
1.5 tsp roasted cumin powder
1/2 tsp amchoor powder
1/4 tsp roasted coriander powder
black salt & salt according to your taste
a pinch of hing and black pepper powder
Batter
1/2 cup gram flour
1/4 cup rice flour
1 tbsp poppy seed
salt according to taste
1 pinch roasted cumin powder

Method: Heat oil. Fry green chili & ginger. add boiled potato & other spices. mix well over heat.

Make the batter with water. It should not be too runny. Dip the potato mix in batter & deep fry. Serve with a dash of black salt.

Jhal muri

Ingredients:
Puffed rice
Mustard oil
Chopped onion, coriander, green chili
Dry coconut slices
hajmola (powdered)
roasted cumin powder
amchoor
chanachur

Method: Mix all the ingredients together.

Enjoy with a cup of masala tea.