Vegetarian > India > Bengali

Jhinge Bhaja (Fried Ridge Gourd) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized ridge gourds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- 2 tablespoons gram flour
- Oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and peel the ridge gourds. Cut them into thin slices.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the sliced ridge gourds, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, rice flour, and gram flour. Mix well.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the coated ridge gourd slices to the pan in small batches.
5. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried slices from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining slices.
7. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 123
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 583mg
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rice flour can be substituted with cornstarch or all-purpose flour.
- Gram flour can be substituted with chickpea flour or all-purpose flour.

Variations:
- Add chopped onions and green chilies to the mixture for added flavor.
- Use a mixture of spices such as cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the coated ridge gourd slices to the pan to ensure they fry evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the pan with too many slices at once, as this can cause them to stick together and not cook evenly.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover fried ridge gourd slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the leftover fried ridge gourd slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the fried ridge gourd slices on a platter with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint leaves.

Pairings:
Pair with a hot cup of chai or a cold glass of lassi.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with steamed rice and dal for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the coating is not sticking to the ridge gourd slices, try adding a little water to the mixture to create a thicker batter.
- If the slices are not crispy, increase the heat of the oil and fry for a longer period of time.

Food safety advice:
Make sure the oil is not too hot, as this can cause the ridge gourd slices to burn and become bitter.

Food history:
Jhinge Bhaja is a popular Bengali dish that is often served as a snack or appetizer.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, crispy, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a snack or appetizer.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Crispy, Savory