Vegetarian●●●Origin Punjab/Awadh/DelhiPrep 45 minutes, plus cooling timeCook 15–20 minutesMakes 10
These crisp, golden deep-fried pastry parcels are stuffed with a spiced mixture of potatoes, peas, and green chillies. They offer a savoury, mildly tangy crunch with warm aromatic heat.
Whole spices
2.1 gFried in ghee at the start of the filling (step 3)
Mix 500 g flour with enough water to form a stiff dough. Divide into 10 equal portions, roll them into smooth balls, and keep covered under a damp cloth.
Boil 100 g unpeeled potato in a pan of water for about 20 minutes until tender, then drain and let cool before stripping the skins and mashing. In another pot of boiling water, cook 150 g pea for 5 to 7 minutes until tender, then drain.
Warm 52.8 g ghee in a deep, heavy pan set over medium heat, drop in the whole spices, and sizzle for 15 seconds. Stir in 24 g ginger, 24–30 g green chilli, the ground spices for the filling, and salt to taste, frying for 1 minute.
Tumble the mashed potato and peas into the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute. Mix in 1 teaspoon pomegranate seeds and 1 g coriander leaf, taste and adjust seasoning, then remove from the heat and let cool before dividing into 10 equal portions.
Dust a work surface with flour and roll each dough ball into a round roughly 12 cm (5 inches) across. Moisten the perimeter with water, spoon a portion of filling onto the centre, fold the pastry over, and pinch firmly around the edges to seal completely.
Fill a deep pan or kadhai with vegetable oil for deep-frying and bring the temperature to 180°C (350°F). Fry the pastries in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden brown, then lift out with a slotted spoon to drain on kitchen paper.
Use 120% of the weight; melt gently over low heat to avoid burning the milk solids, which will yield a softer, creamier richness rather than a nutty aroma.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.