Zucchini Pakora Tacos with Mint Chutney

Motherland

Servings

8

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Crisp zucchini pakoras become the taco filling, with cabbage, mint chutney and lime keeping the whole slightly unruly arrangement bright.

Zucchini Pakora Tacos with Mint Chutney

Ingredients

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    • 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb)

    • ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided

    • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

    • ¾ cup chickpea flour

    • 2 tbsp rice flour

    • ½ tsp cumin seeds

    • ¼ tsp ajwain seeds (optional)

    • ¼ tsp turmeric

    • ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder

    • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro

    • Neutral oil, for shallow-frying

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    • 1 packed cup cilantro

    • ½ packed cup mint leaves

    • 1 small green chili

    • ½-inch piece ginger

    • 2 tbsp lime juice

    • ½ tsp sugar

    • ½ tsp kosher salt

    • 2–4 tbsp cold water

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    • 8 small corn or flour tortillas

    • 2 cups finely shredded cabbage

    • 1 tbsp lime juice

    • ¼ tsp kosher salt

    • Lime wedges

    • Thinly sliced radishes (optional)

    Directions

    1. Coarsely grate the zucchini. Toss with ½ tsp salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Wrap in a clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

    2. Blend the chutney ingredients with 2 tbsp water. Add more only as needed; it should be thick enough to stay in the tacos.

    3. Toss the cabbage with the lime juice and remaining ¼ tsp salt.

    4. Combine the zucchini, onion, chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin, ajwain, turmeric, chili powder and cilantro. Add only 1–2 tsp water if the mixture will not hold together.

    5. Pour ¼ inch oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high.

    6. Drop in heaped spoonfuls of batter and flatten into small fritters. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Drain on a rack and season lightly.

    7. Warm the tortillas. Fill with cabbage, one or two pakoras, mint chutney and radish, if using. Serve with lime.