Batatyachi Kaapa (Crispy Shallow Fried Potato Discs)

Batatyachi kaapa are shallow fried crispy potato discs. It is very easy to make them and these kaapa are usually served as a side with some dal and rice and is a staple and popular dish in Goan /Konkani  cuisine. They can be served as an appetizer too. A lot of childhood memories are associated with this dish as it was made quite regularly at our house. I have somehow never made them in all these years. I thought of making them today to jazz up my lunch as lunch was simple varan bhaat ( cooked unseasoned yellow lentils with white rice)  which my son loves but is too bland for my taste. Here is the recipe for these delicious and crispy potato discs.

Batatyachi Kaapa (Crispy Shallow Fried Potato Discs)

Ingredients

• 2 potatoes
• 1/2 cup semolina
• 1/2 - 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Oil for shallow frying
• Salt to taste

Method

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into round discs. The discs should not be too thick (should be thicker than what you would make for pakoda).
• Immerse the potatoes in water for about 5 minutes then rinse and drain the water off. 
• Salt the potatoes and keep them aside.
• In a plate mix semolina, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and some salt.
• Coat the potato discs with the semolina mixture.
• Heat a skillet and drizzle some oil on it.
• Put the potato discs on the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Flip over and cook for about 2 minutes more. Cover with a lid and continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes. 
• Take out from the skillet and serve hot as a side with some dal and rice or by itself as an appetizer.

Notes

• Rice flour can also be added along with the semolina for coating the potatoes.