5—Palak ke Pakore Spinach fritters (Pakore) made during fasting with buckwheat flour and spinach. Ingredients
1 cup kuttu ka atta or buckwheat flour
1 cup chopped palak or spinach leaves, tightly packed
1 green chili or ¼ tsp red chili powder
2 tbsp peanuts
Rock salt or sendha namak as required
Water as required
Instructions
Roast the peanuts in a small pan till they become crisp.
When they cool, coarsely crush them in a mortar-pestle.
Rinse the spinach leaves and finely them.
In a bowl, mix everything including the coarsely powdered peanuts.
Add very little water and make a thick batter.
Heat oil for shallow or deep frying in kadai or pan.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter in the hot oil and fry till crisp and golden on both sides.
Serve the vrat palak pakora with coriander chutney, coconut chutney or homemade tomato sauce.
Let’s celebrate Eco-friendly Navratri
The most serious impact on the natural environment is due to the immersion of idols made of Plaster of Paris and polythene bags containing offerings. Eco-friendly Navratri festival will enable you to celebrate festival without harming environment. Useful tips for celebrating Eco-friendly Navratri— n Clay idols for immersion: The idols made for immersion during festival are made of Plaster of Paris and painted with layers of chemical paint that dissolves slowly, gradually releasing its harmful components into water. Using only a natural clay idol for immersion and immersing it either in the tank or in a bucket of water at home can help to prevent water pollution and saves environment. n Eco-Friendly Rangoli: Rangoli is an essential part of any Indian festival. Instead of using harmful chemical colors or paints for rangoli design, you can substitute them with rice flour, pulse powder and leaves. n Hand rolled Incense sticks: Hand rolled incense sticks with natural fragrance can be used for the Puja. n Say no to plastic: Plastic including polythene bags are the one that causes serious impact on the natural environment during festival seasons. For this Navratri festival, say no to plastic and save the environment. n Prevent Water Pollution: Encourage people to immerse the icons in tanks of water rather than in natural water bodies.
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