O is for Onion and Tomato Pole (faux Omelette)

These savoury pancakes are also called faux omelettes since there are no eggs involved.They are a quick brunch or tea time snack that is a filling yet quick fix.

This used to be another Thursday special for very different reasons from the Dadpe Pohe.

Thursday were vegetarian days at home and this was followed quite strictly by the ladies of the house. Out of respect for them, no one ate anything but vegetarian fare on that day.

These pole (pancakes) were a nutritious brunch option and ketchup made them even more popular with us kids. Correction – just me. My sister would opt for a cheese sandwich instead!

O is for (faux) Omelette

Ingredients:

1 cup besan (gramflour)

1/2 cup atta (chapati flour)

1/2 cup semolina

1 green chilli, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small tomato, finely chopped

2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped

salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin-coriander powder

1/4 cup oil

water, as required

Method:

1. Mix the spices, salt, besan, atta and semolina. Make sure there are no lumps. (I use a whisk to mix them together.)

2. Add the chopped onion, tomato, chilli, coriander.

3. Gradually, add some water to the mixture so that you get a thick batter (the consistency of pancake batter).

4. Pour a teaspoon of oil into a frying pan. When it is hot, add a large ladle of the batter. Smoothen it with a spatula. Cover and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Take away the lid, flip the pola (pancake) and cook till it is golden brown on both sides.

5. Repeat until you have used up the batter.

6.Serve hot with tomato ketchup or with a cooling yoghurt raita.