Kothimbirichya Wadya (Cilantro Squares)

I make these quite often when I have a big batch of cilantro on hand. As you all know, cilantro does not stay fresh too long, so rather than have it go brown on me, I like to make these kothimbirichya wadya. They make a good snack or side dish for varan-bhaath.

Here's how I make them:

2 cup cilantro - packed

1 cup gram flour

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 cup mix of other flours like jowar, bajra, soy etc.

Seasonings to taste - salt, red chilli pwd, pinch of turmeric pwd, cumin pwd, coriander pwd, ginger paste, garlic paste (optional), sugar, lemon juice/amchoor pwd.

handful of broken cashews

Oil

Blend all ingredients, except cashew & oil, with sufficient water to form a thick batter.

Stir in the cashews.

Oil a microwave-safe square or rectangular utensil.

Pour the batter into this.

Microwave for about 8 - 10 minutes (in 2-3 minute intervals) or until the batter firms up to touch.

Cool completely, then cut into squares or desired shapes.

The above picture is of the kothimbir wadis at this stage.

Just before serving, you can either shallow fry or deep fry them.

I took them to a friend's place where we fried them up for lunch, hence I don't have the final picture.

These Cilantro Squares go to the Green Palette event at Torview.