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The holidays bring with them an amazing time. Because of the cold and early evenings, we admire the lights everywhere. Although most of us fall sick at this time of the year, we appreciate those fun-filled days when we recover. And the one thing that most of us unanimously like about the holidays are the delicacies that we get to cook and eat which we normally wouldn't at other times of the year. The holiday season is also a very busy time for the moms. Winter programs followed by winter break, shopping for all the holiday parties, christmas preparation, the list is endless — I admire each and every mother around me as they perform these tasks meticulously along with the thousand other chores that they do regularly. Today's recipe comes directly from my mother's kitchen and I dedicate it to all the super moms out there.
During one such holiday get together this year, I thought of making my mom's traditional deviled eggs. The Indian version of deviled eggs is an all time favorite with friends and family. I feel this dish is named appropriately - in addition to stuffing the egg whites, it is coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried — leaving no chance for you to escape feeling guilty or sinful.
Ingredients (makes 16):
Eggs (hard boiled): 8
Red potatoes (boiled, peeled & mashed): 3
Red onions (chopped) – 1/2
Garam masala – 1 tsp
Green chillies (chopped) - 2
Giner (finely grated) - 0.5 inch
Red chilli powder (optional) - to taste
Salt to taste
Egg (uncooked) - 1
Panko breadcrumbs
Safflower/cooking oil – as needed (for cooking and deep frying)
The boiled eggs were cut into halves and the yolks kept separate. In a nonstick pan, I heated up two tablespoons of cooking oil and browned the onions with salt. To this, I added the ginger and green chillies to cook for another minute. The mashed potatoes and cooked egg yolks were added to the pan and mixed well along with the garam masala and red chilli powder so it started looking like a stuffing mix. A scoop of this potato stuffing is then heaped on one half of the egg white and shaped like an egg. This is then dipped in whipped egg and coated with panko bread crumbs. Each deviled egg is again dipped in whipped egg and coated with bread crumbs to give double coating. After heating oil to 350F, the deviled eggs are then deep fried for 5-6 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
As I write this recipe today, dodging the preschooler's tireless questions with some meaningless answers, I realized how a mom works round the clock - physically as well as mentally. I can definitely say my admiration for my own mother has increased several times over the years. I wonder if moms ever retire. So, all the iMoms out there.... pause, take a break, and once in a while, enjoy life :)
