BEEHA / BEA JA PAKORA ( Lotus Stem Fritters )

Beeha / bea  ( lotus stem / kamal kakdi ) is one of the delicacy in the Sindhi Cuisine. We have a variety of preparations with this vegetable like daag wari bhaji, seyala bhaji, palak mei beeha, beeha ji tikki, chutney wara beeha etc etc... When in season we add it to almost all the curries and meats.Cleaning this is the toughest part because it is covered with mud and kept fresh by sprinkling water over it. We have to wash it very well before using. Scrape the outer skin and cut into slanting slices. This way it will not be very hairy when you bite it. Today's recipe is pakoras / fritters made with the boiled lotus stem slices.

Ingredients:
Lotus stem slices .. 10 - 12  or as needed
Amchoor powder .. 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder .. 1/4 tsp
Cumin powder ..... 1/4 tsp
Chaat masala or garam masala .. 1/2 tsp
 Besan / gram flour ... 1 & 1/2 cups ( or as needed )
Baking soda ... a pinch 
Salt ...... to taste
Oil ...... to fry

Method:
1. Boil the lotus stem slices in a pressure cooker adding a little salt. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix all the dry spice powders and sprinkle on the slices.
3. Make a smooth and thick batter with besan, salt and baking soda.
4. Dip the slices in the batter and fry them until half done.
5. When you are ready to serve, press each pakora to make it little flat and fry again until crisp. ( double frying makes them nice and crisp )
Serve with any chutney or sauce.

Note: You can also stir-fry them with mint chutney instead of the dry masalas and make pakoras in the same way.