You can basically use this same recipe to make Crispy Spiced Carrot Sticks, Crispy Spiced Zucchini Fries or Crispy Spiced Okra if you prefer. I am aware that many people have a love/hate position when it comes to okra, but this crispy okra preparation will turn even the most adamant "anti okra" person into an absolute okra lover!
Chaat masala, amchoor (dried mango) powder, anardana (dried pomegranate) powder, tamarind powder, chickpea flour (besan) & rice flour are all easily available in any large Indian store or market.
CRISPY SPICED GREEN BEANS
Ingredients:
½ lb green beans (trimmed & prepped)
½ cup besan (chickpea or gram flour)
2 tbsp rice flour
1 tsp chaat masala (you can use garam masala)
½ tsp ground cumin powder
¼ tsp red chili powder, to taste
pinch of amchoor powder (or anardana powder or tamarind powder), optional
salt & pepper, to taste
pinch of smoked Spanish paprika, for garnish
oil, enough for shallow frying
METHOD:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for just 6-8 minutes. Then immediately plunge the green beans into an ice bath to stop the cooking process & set their lovely bright green color. A colander resting inside a large mixing bowl (filled halfway with water & ice cubes) works well for this task. Drain well, dry well & set aside until needed.
In a large dry mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour with the rice flour & the spices (chaat masala, ground cumin powder, red chili powder, amchoor powder, salt & pepper). Mix well to combine all of the ingredients. Next, add the green beans & toss through the spiced flour to coat the green beans evenly (tongs work well for this task).
In a large deep skillet or wok on medium high heat, add enough oil to shallow fry the green beans. Maybe about 2-3 inches depending upon the vessel used. When the oil is hot, shake off any excess flour & add the green beans in small batches. Fry until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally as needed. Drain well on absorbent paper towels & transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with just a small pinch of salt while they are still warm. Garnish with a liberal sprinkling of paprika & serving with your favorite dipping sauce, condiment or chutney.
VARIATIONS:
You can make this dish very easily using carrots, just peel & cut into thick matchsticks about 2-3 inches in length. Cook for just 5-6 minutes and follow the recipe as directed above.
If you wish to use fresh okra, just trim the tops off and cut the okra lengthwise into thin julienned strips. Toss with the spiced flour & follow the recipe as directed above. There is no need to blanch the okra, it will cook through completely in the hot oil. The Crispy Spiced Zucchini Fries can be made the same way as the okra.
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