"Appetizers"- Kothimbir Vadi / Cilantro Wedges

** Kothimbir Vadi Recipe Post from 2011 is updated with new pictures 

As we moved to Columbus, we have celebrated more 'sendoff's' than any other parties.Yeah seriously,the community is so mobile and transient here....people come and go frequently.You get to know someone, make friends and then you get to know that they are leaving Columbus in couple months. ...
So, my good friend 'S' is leaving this week.I had invited her family over for dinner. This traditional maharashtrian appetizer was on the menu.

Ingredients:
3 cups chopped cilantro along with stems
3/4 cup Gram flour/besan
1/4 cup rice flour
1 tbsp roasted Sesame seeds
1 tsp finely chopped green chilies
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp Baking soda
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp Maharashtrian Goda Masala/ garam masala
Salt and sugar to taste

Water to make batter
Oil for greasing the pans and shallow frying.

Method:

1) Mix all ingredients and make batter like thick 'cake batter' consistency with only as much water as needed. Batter should not be too runny. 
2) Oil two 6 inch pans.Pour the batter in the pans. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. 
3) Steam in a pressure cooker (without pressure) for 15-20 mins.
4) Let it cool.Cut into wedges

5) Shallow Fry in oil till golden brown.

Serve hot along with Ketchup/ Maggie Hot and Sweet sauce or just by themselves