Khasta Kachori(A filled Indian Deep Fried Pastry)

Khasta Kachori is a MUST for occasions like Holi.Fresh from playing colors you come home to have a shower and relax.After bath you need an elixir and something to fill your tummy(not for those who gorge on “Gujiyas” while playing colors..;).Its an easy and mouthwatering recipe if you want to indulge ONCE forgetting the weight gain!

Preparation time – 1 hour
Soaking time – 4-5 hours
Makes – 12-14 Kachoris

Ingredients

For the covering:

250 gms plain flour/all purpose flour(maida)
1 tsp salt
60 ml oil/ghee
Water for kneading

For the filling:

1/2 cup Urad Dal(white)
A pinch of asafoetida
1 tsp coriander(dhania) powder
1 tsp cumin seeds(jeera)
1 tsp fennel seeds(saunf)
Salt to taste
2 green chilies – minced
One inch piece ginger – grated
2 tbsp oil
Oil for frying

Method

For kneading dough refer to Mathri as to how to knead the dough.But remember here that the dough should be a “little” bit softer than the mathri dough.We have used a little more oil/ghee here so the dough should be kneaded likewise.Keep aside covered.

For the filling:
Soak the urad dal for 4-5 hours.Drain and grind coarsely.It should not be fine like a paste,but grainy.Heat oil in a fry-pan.Add Cumin,asafoetida,fennel and coriander powder.Stir till the seeds brown.Then add chilies and ginger.Stir fry till chilies turn greenish-white and are fried.Add the coarsely ground dal and mix well.Keep frying on low flame till the dal is no longer moist but is dry though soft.Add salt.Keep aside to cool.

The Filling

Now take a lemon sized ball of the dough.Roll it out into a slightly thick round.Now keep some of the cooled filling in the middle.Enclose the sides and bring the corners together as shown.

Making the Filled Balls