Falahari Pattice Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Fasting Delight

Falahari pattice is a savory snack commonly prepared during fasting periods in India, particularly during festivals like Navratri, Ekadashi, or Maha Shivaratri. These pattices are made from simple ingredients that adhere to the fasting restrictions, yet they are packed with flavor and texture. The crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, spicy filling make this dish an irresistible treat.

Here’s how you can make Falahari Pattice at home:

Ingredients:

For the outer layer:

• 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of arrowroot flour (or sago flour or singhara atta)
• 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)
• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
• A pinch of black pepper (optional)

For the stuffing:

• 1 cup boiled and mashed bottle gourd (lauki) or pumpkin (kaddu) (or a mix of both)
• 1 tablespoon of ghee
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh coconut (optional)
• 1 tablespoon roasted peanut powder (or ground peanuts)
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• A handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
• A pinch of black pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder (or fresh grated ginger)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Outer Layer

1. Boil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them well.
2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with arrowroot flour, ghee, rock salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until it forms a smooth dough. Add a little water if needed, but make sure it doesn’t become too sticky.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

1. Cook the vegetables: Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the boiled and mashed bottle gourd or pumpkin until it is well-cooked and slightly dry.
2. Season the stuffing: Add grated coconut (if using), roasted peanut powder, chopped green chili, coriander leaves, hing, rock salt, black pepper, cumin powder, and ginger powder. Stir everything together until well combined and fragrant.
3. Cool the mixture: Set the stuffing aside to cool down before making the pattice.

Step 3: Shape the Pattices

1. Form the pattice: Take a small portion of the potato dough and flatten it into a round or oval shape in the palm of your hand.
2. Stuff the pattice: Place a spoonful of the prepared stuffing in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the stuffing and seal the edges to form a smooth ball or patty shape.
3. Repeat with the remaining dough and stuffing until all pattices are formed.

Step 4: Fry the Pattices

1. Heat oil or ghee: Heat oil or ghee in a shallow frying pan over medium heat.
2. Fry the pattices: Gently place the pattices in the hot oil and fry them until golden and crisp on both sides. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Drain excess oil: Once the pattices are crispy and golden, remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the falahari pattice hot with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney. You can also enjoy it with a glass of fresh fruit juice or buttermilk for a refreshing meal during fasting days.

Tips:

• You can vary the stuffing by adding ingredients like mashed sweet potato, boiled and mashed carrots, or even paneer (cottage cheese) for a different flavor.
• For a vegan version, replace ghee with oil.
• If you want a spicier kick, you can add more green chilies or even finely chopped ginger to the stuffing.

Falahari pattice is a perfect combination of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re fasting or simply craving something light and healthy, this snack is a must-try!