Wishing on More Time - Vegetable Bhajia

I never seem to have enough time. My days are filled with work, school, errands, and a to-do list that never ends. In the evening, Flower will always ask for her fifth "last" book. Both Poet and Flower love to listen to us read books, and we could do it forever. I will try to read it just a little faster, and she will always say, slow down and take your time. If only there were more time in the evenings to read books endlessly and still have well-rested little ones.

Poet and Flower are still too young to tell time but are already aware of it. They love to think in terms of "sleeps," how many sleeps until we go on a trip or until their birthday. Each morning they will eagerly ask if there is less time until their next big event. They understand some things take longer (like car rides and dentist appointments). And sometimes things are just too short (like playing with friends or ballet class.)

My mother seemed to defy time. Maybe that's simply how we think of mothers. They can do everything. She would go to five different grocery stores, run errands and still have time to pick us up from school, make dinner and keep the house in order. As a kid, I enjoyed spending time with her and never thought that perhaps that would not always be.

The time spent cooking is special. The feeling that time stands still when I am cooking is soothing. I love the rhythm of chopping or watching a sauce bubble and simmer and slowly turn into the final composition. And of course, as I make my mother's recipes, I think of her. These organized and methodical activities help to give some order and semblance to a busy day.

This week I made vegetable bhajia. They are quick and simple and don't take too much time. These vegetable fritters are made with a light chickpea batter. They are great as an afternoon snack or a light lunch. The batter takes just a few minutes to make, and then fry them. I like to use cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or broccoli, but you can use almost any vegetables you have in hand.

Though we may not have all the time in the world, we can enjoy it in so many ways. A bedtime story, waiting for a birthday, or cooking are all wonderful ways to fill our days. And just for a minute, we can enjoy the stillness of the moment.

Vegetable Bhajia

Bhajia are delicious vegetable fritters. You can use onion, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes or green chilis. Make sure the batter is nice and thick and coats the vegetables, so you get a thick crunchy coating. 

Makes about 30 bhajia

• Assorted vegetables like:
• Onions (thickly sliced)
• Carrots (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
• Broccoli (cut into bite size florets)
• Potatoes (cut into bite size florets.)
• 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup water (approximately)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, chili powder, salt and baking soda. Slowly add in the water and whisk until the batter is smooth and still thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

2. Toss the vegetables in the batter.

3. Heat a frypan with 1-2 inches of oil over medium/high heat until approximately 350 degree.  Gently fry the vegetables in the oil for 4-5 minutes turning once. They will be golden and crispy when done.

4. Serve hot with ketchup or tamarind sauce.