Spicy Ridge Gourd Fritters

Beerakaya Bajjilu.
Ridge gourd / turai is peeled and sliced. A batter is prepared with besan and spices. The ridge gourd slices are dipped in besan batter and deep fried in oil till golden brown in color. Serve spicy ridge gourd fritters with steamed rice and ghee or as a snack.
Makes: around 10 – 15 Spicy Ridge Gourd Fritters.
Ingredients:
Ridge Gourd 1 Small
Gram Flour / Besan 1/2 Cup
Green Chile 3
Ginger 2 inch Piece
Red Chile Powder 1/4 tsp
Soda bi carb a Big Pinch
Salt to taste
Oil for deep frying
Method of preparation:
Peel and roughly chop ginger.
Remove stems, wash and slice the green chiles.
Grind ginger and green chiles into coarse paste with enough salt.
Wash, lightly scrape and chop ridge gourd into thick slices.
In a mixing bowl, mix together gram flour, red chile powder, soda bi carb and salt with sufficient water to make somewhat thick batter.
Stir in green chile and ginger paste.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium high heat.
Dip each ridge gourd slice in gram flour batter and carefully drop it in hot oil.
Repeat the same with some more of the ridge gourd slices until the surface of the pan is full.
Fry the slices until golden brown on both sides.
Remove the ridge gourd fritters onto absorbent paper.
Repeat the same with remaining ridge gourd slices.
Serve spicy ridge gourd fritters with steamed rice and ghee or as a snack.
Notes: Make sure to get the besan batter right.
Suggestions: If the ridge gourd fritters are hard, make sure the besan batter is not too thick. Add few drops of water to dilute the batter a little.
Variations: You can also add chopped cilantro to the besan batter if you wish.
Other Names: Spicy Ridge Gourd Fritters, Beerakaya Bajjilu.