RECIPE: Lip Smacking Viazi Karais

Viazi karais (boiled then deep fried/baked potatoes in gram/chickpea flour batter) are a popular and relished delicacy at the Kenyan coastal region and are usually sold as a street snack. It’s a pretty easy and fast dish to prepare so fear not, here is our simple recipe hook-up.

INGREDIENTS
10 medium sized potatoes (peeled)

2 teaspoons finely shredded garlic

2 cups gram flour.

1 cup of water

A bunch of coriander (Dhania)

Salt and pepper to taste

Turmeric or food colour (if you prefer)

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash the potatoes and then peel them. In a sufuria, put the water and potatoes then bring them to a boil. Don’t let them overcook. Once boiled, let them cool before cutting them into cubes.
In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic, turmeric or food colour, salt, pepper and coriander/dhania then add the water a little at a time until you have a thick paste.
Carefully coat your potatoes with the batter as you preheat the cooking oil.
Dip the potatoes in hot oil and fry till golden brown.
Drain in paper towels and serve while hot with tomato sauce or a dip of your choice.

CHEF’S NOTE; When it gets pretty hot, nothing beats a tall glass of coolness. Grab yourself a cold glass of Minute Maid Pulpy Orange with real fruit pulp to balance the tangy taste of the viazi Karais while keeping
your temperature in check!