Dukkah-Spiced Veggie Patties

3 years back, I had to check & double-check my book-shelf, wardrobe, shoe-rack, handbags n everything else in that cozy room… All my favorite stuff from that room was supposed to be packed! And while re-checking it, I couldn’t stop myself from sitting in that cozy corner of the room for a while. It was too noisy around still my thoughts kept drifting back to the days when I had been a lil daughter learning things from my mumma-papa, a lil sister playing wit my brother, a lil grand-daughter listening to stories from my grand parents, a school baby studying with school buddies, an immature college girl bunking the lectures with college besties!

And in these 3 years, those memories came across my mind many times. I guess that happens with all girls, who has stepped into a new phase of life….

All new people, new relationships, new roles-responsibilities, n new locations… And complete focus on YOU, as a bride, newly wed lady, daughter-in-law! I absolutely enjoyed each day being with them, learning many things from them, cooking for them, giggling with them… but I still miss lots of things (in fact, everything) from my ‘Being a Miss’ days.

I always had my comfort-zone to walk into, freedom to shop each weekend, hangout with friends anytime of the day, flexibility of crashing into couch anytime I wish, watching TV all day long, listening music on super-high volume… And most importantly – A lot of “ME” time which used to give me a wide scope for introspection… I think, this list is never-ending!!! Although I have regained most of the things here, I miss those moments at times.

But all I know right now is… I’m glad that I met KG 14 years (in 2001) back! We started our journey being just-friends. And that friendship flew away in the 1st year itself… I avoided my biggest well-wisher all the time! Graduation over (in 2005).. He left India for further studies and I started job back there… Kept communicating formally via emails/offliners but never thought of meeting him or talking to him on phone! Many things happened in between… Too many pits-n-falls of life that made me get into the real world. We got in touch again (2010), got committed, engaged and married in next 2 years.

Glad to pass through this phase of life which helped me discover myself each day n of course, know my inner strength… And all ‘coz of the one n only reason of my life – KG!!! He has definitely helped me cut down the raw-SJ in me and make myself stronger to great extent, for facing sharper turns ahead in life (If at all sharper! smoother ones are always welcome). I still wish to grow up in his direction… clear thoughts (mine are always hazy) and positive mind-set!!!

We’re celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary today… As if it was only yesterday when I used to get mad at him, talking to me or advising me for anything I do… And see girl, what turn a life has taken now!!! I love him so much for the same reason… Happy anniversary to KaSh!!! <3

It’s MahaShivratri today so we both are fasting on this special day! But I had to do something to make it special.. so planned celebrating it yesterday only :D These ‘Dukkah-Spiced Veggie Patties‘ was one of the things I cooked… :)

Credit goes to: Pari’s Foodelicious, as I didn’t ever experiment coating croquettes or patties with buttermilk and then coat with breadcrumbs before. I have used beaten egg for the same purpose… even milk too but never used buttermilk. And I must thank her for posting Mushroom Croquettes, which gave me this idea to create these patties!!! <3

INGREDIENTS:

3 Mushrooms
3 Broccoli Florets
1/4 head Purple Cabbage
2 Medium Potatoes, boiled & mashed
2-3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
2-3 tbsp Dukkah Spice-Mix
1 cup Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Buttermilk
Salt, to taste
Oil, to deep-fry

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1. Wash and trim mushrooms, broccoli florets and chop them finely.
2. Heat a tsp of olive oil in a pan and add chopped garlic into it.
3. Once it gets golden brown in color, add mushrooms and broccoli along with finely chopped (or shredded) purple cabbage.
4. Add some salt and toss everything quickly on high heat for a min.
5. Let the mixture cool down completely and add mashed potatoes along with dukkah and salt.
6. Mix everything well and divide the mixture in 12-14 equal portions.
7. Make balls out of those portions and gently press down a bit to shape patties.
8. Dip these patties in buttermilk completely and then roll into breadcrumbs.
9. Arrange all in a big plate and keep it in refrigerator for half hour.
10. Heat oil for deep-frying and slide 3-4 patties carefully at a time.
11. Fry until golden brown in color and crunchy outside and then take them out on absorbent paper.
12. Serve hot with any sort of hot ‘n’ spicy Chutney!

SJ’s NOTE:

• You can use any sort of breadcrumbs here. I had some leftover multigrain bread so used freshly made breadcrumbs out of it.
• Check out recipe of Dukkah here: https://cookingwithsj.com/2014/05/20/dukkah/