Tomato Fritters Chaat

Tomato Bajji Masala.

Whole tomatoes are dipped in besan batter and deep fried on medium heat till golden brown. The tomato fritters are then halved and the juices are scooped out. Chopped onion, spices and herbs are added to the juices and this mixture is filled into the tomatoes and served immediately.
Makes: 4 Servings of Tomato Fritters Chaat.

Ingredients:

• Ripe Tomato 2 Medium
• Besan / Gram Flour 5 tbsps
• Soda bi Carb a Pinch
• Onion 1
• Roasted Peanuts 2 tbsps
• Chaat Masala 1/2 tsp
• Red Chili Powder 1/2 tsp
• Cilantro few Sprigs
• Lemon Juice 1 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil for Deep Frying

Method of preparation:

Peel and finely chop the onion.
Wash and finely chop the cilantro leaves.
Thoroughly wash the tomatoes and pat them dry.

In a deep small mixing bowl, add besan, soda bi carb, few pinches of red chili powder and salt.
Pour enough water to make the mixture into somewhat thick batter.

Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
When oil gets hot, dip the tomato into the besan batter and thoroughly coat it with thick besan batter.
Carefully and slowly drop the coated tomato into the hot oil.

Deep fry the tomato until it turns light golden brown all over (around 5 minutes).
Scoop the hot oil from the deep frying pan and pour over the just dropped tomato if the oil is not deep enough to soak the tomato.
Remove the tomato fritter onto a absorbent paper.
Repeat the same with the other tomato.
Cool down the deep fried tomato a bit and cut it into halves.

Scoop the juicy part of the tomato with help of a sharp edged spoon into a small mixing bowl.
Repeat the same with remaining tomato halves.
To the mixing bowl having the tomato pulp and juices, add chopped onion, cilantro, lemon juice, roasted peanuts, red chili powder, chaat masala and salt.
Mix well and adjust any seasoning if required.
Fill the emptied tomato halves with the just prepared tomato onion mixture.
Garnish with cilantro and serve tomato fritters chaat immediately.
Notes: Make sure to get the besan batter right.

Suggestions: Adjust the deep frying time of the tomato according to its size.
Variations: Use ripe roma tomatoes in place of vine tomatoes if desired.
Other Names: Tomato Fritters Chaat, Tomato Bajji Masala.