If you are craving something crunchy and tasty for an evening tea, you can prepare lauki fingers. This snack, made from zucchini, semolina, and spices, turns out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is convenient to serve with green or tomato paste.
Although zucchini appetizers are known in the form of a vegetable dish, trying crispy sticks made from it is a new experience. These sticks turn out very crispy on the outside and tender inside. Furthermore, this method of preparation allows you to treat even children who usually refuse regular zucchini casserole.
To make lauki fingers, you need zucchini, semolina, cumin, white sesame seeds, and various spices. First, a thick mass is prepared from these ingredients. Then, it is shaped into sticks and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They can be served with green or tomato paste.
The cooking process begins with thoroughly washing and peeling the zucchini, after which it is grated. Ghee is poured into a pan, in which cumin and white sesame seeds are lightly fried. Then, the grated zucchini is added and cooked while stirring constantly.
When the zucchini softens slightly, semolina is mixed into it. Next, red pepper, turmeric, salt, coriander powder, and garam masala are added. All components are thoroughly mixed. After that, water is gradually added as needed, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. It is important to ensure that the mixture is not too liquid, otherwise, it will be difficult to shape the sticks.
After the cooking is complete, the heat is turned off, and the mass is allowed to cool slightly. A little oil is applied to the hands, and small, long sticks are formed from the mixture. It is necessary to ensure that all sticks are approximately the same size for even cooking.
Then, oil is poured into a deep pan and heated. When the oil is hot enough, the sticks are carefully dropped in and fried over medium heat until golden-brown and crispy. During frying, they must be turned periodically so that they cook evenly on all sides. The finished sticks are removed and placed on paper towels to remove excess fat.
The ready-made hot lauki fingers can be served with green paste, tomato sauce, or any other favorite paste during an evening tea time.