Wash and Clean Sponge Gourd. Now, we will slice sponge gourd into thin slices. I prefer thin and long slices. You can cut into rounds too. Dip the slices in cold water to prevent its discoloration.
Keep Sponge Gourd slices aside. Meanwhile, we will grind a thick green masala paste. In a grinder jar, put Cumin Seeds, Green Chilies and Coriander leaves. Grind into a thick paste (do not add water).
Thick Masala paste is ready. Now we will dry roast gram flour on medium heat. Do not brown it. We need to roast it lightly until it emits a pleasant aroma. After 1 min of roasting on medium heat, take it off the heat
In a large bowl, put roasted gram flour. Now, put Semolina, White Sesame Seeds, grounded masala paste. Add Salt to taste and 3 tbsp Hot Oil. Mix well with a spoon. Add water. We will now whisk the batter well. Whisk well until we get rid of all the lumps in the batter
Batter must be of spoon coating consistency. We have used ¾th Cup water. Let this batter rest aside for 10-15 mins.
Ensure Oil is sufficiently hot. Drop a small portion of batter in Oil. If the batter rises up immediately, then oil is hot enough. If it sinks, then we need to wait for some more time.
Reduce the heat to medium. Coat Nenua slices with batter and drop it in Oil. Do not fry on high heat. Fry until fritters become evenly brown from both sides. After frying for couple of mins, remove it from the Pan.
Similarly, fry all the fritters.
Nenua Pakoda-Ghosalyachi Bhaji is ready. Let's serve it. Nenua Pakoda-Ghosalyachi Bhaji tastes delicious with Red Chili Chutney. Enjoy these fritters this Monsoons
Tips:
a) Roasting of Gram flour imparts a depth of flavors and aroma. Remember to toast Gram flour next time when you make fritters.
b) Whisking makes the batter light and fritters will be fluffy
Recipe by Kali Mirch - by Smita at https://kalimirchbysmita.com/nenua-pakoda-ghosalyachi-bhaji/