Bateta Wara (spiced mashed potatoes fritters)

There were always happy memories when family would visit.  Keeping true to tradition, mummy would whip up some quick snacks for our guests.

One go-to item was Bateta Wara (spiced mashed potatoes fritters)

To prep the filling:

Ingredients:

5 medium potatoes

2 tbsp oil

1/3 tbsp brown mustard seeds

1/3 tbsp whole cumin

5 curry leaves

1 tsp garlic (lasan)

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 tsp turmeric (haider)

1 heaping tsp dhanna jero (ground cumin and coriander)

1 tsp lemon juice

Directions – Part 1:

1. Boil potatoes until soft

2. Mash potatoes and set aside

Directions – Part 2:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat

2. Add mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves

3. Cover pot and keep it moving until you hear the seeds pop

4. Reduce heat to medium-low

5. Add garlic, salt, dhanna jero, and turmeric

6. Sauté for 3 minutes then add lemon juice

7. Add cooked spice mixture to mashed potatoes and mix

8. Roll spiced potatoes mix into 2-bite size balls

To prep the coating:

Ingredients:

2/3 cups besin flour (golden chick pea flour aka gram flour)

1/2 cup water

Pinch of salt

Pinch of baking powder

Oil (enough for a shallow fry)

Directions – Part 3:

1. Mix coating ingredients (except oil) to a medium consistency

2. Heat oil

3. Dip ball from part 2 into coating mix and fry until golden brown

4. Place on paper towel to let excess oil drain

Note: Serve with a tamarind chutney (recipe coming soon) or express chutney (click here for recipe)