Stuffed baby pepper pakoras

Method

• step 1

  Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water for about 15 mins, or until tender, then drain in a colander, tip back into the pan and coarsely crush with a fork.

• step 2

  Heat a small heavy-bottomed frying pan and toast the fennel seeds for about 30 seconds, stirring all the time, until they release their aroma. Use a pestle and mortar to grind the seeds to a powder.

• step 3

  Stir the ground fennel seeds, chilli powder, mango powder, ground coriander, green chilli and peppercorns into the crushed potatoes.

• step 4

  Cut the peppers in half lengthways and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Fill each cavity with some of the spiced potato mixture and set aside.

• step 5

  Sieve the gram flour and salt into a bowl and stir in just enough cold water to make a smooth batter – aim for the consistency of double cream.

• step 6

  Heat the oil in a wok or karahi to 180°C, or test the temperature by dropping in a cube of bread – when it browns in 30 seconds, it’s ready. Dip the filled pepper halves in the batter, then deep-fry in batches for 3-5 mins until golden. Drain the pakoras on kitchen paper, sprinkle with salt, and serve straightaway with coriander relish.