In the thick of Bangalore: Streets of Bangalore

I tripped on this slab of concrete protruding on to the sidewalk.

On a small street in Indra Nagar, a concrete block is dug up from a huge pot hole to separate lanes.

An open waste water drain next to the side walk. People prefer walking on the street to walking on the sidewalks here.

A pile of trash thrown on the side of a building, not a uncommon scene.

An open and unused power box on the street. I'm not sure if any of the lines that are coming out from the ground are live or not...

Stray dogs are also a common scene in the streets of Bangalore. I remember the first time I visited India 10 years ago, there were packs of them roaming the streets. I did notice that there are less of them now, but I recently read that a stray dog killed a toddler playing outside.

Another pile here, this one looks like it's been here awhile and is taking over the street and the sidewalk.

This is where Vitta Mallya Road, Lavelle Road and Walton Road intersect.   We are staying a short distance away on Walton Road. One of the busier areas in Bangalore, with no traffic light at the intersection. I've seen two car accidents, in front of my eyes, in the past month.

Leela's Eats - Vegetable Patties

Cooking for Leela, a one and half year old, in Bangalore has been a challenge. I'm on the lookout for organic and naturally grown ingredients, which are not as readily available as in the USA or UK. I have found a few organic grocers in Bangalore, but they are not exclusively organic, or the produce is not marked and mixed with non-organic goods. You have to be diligent about asking the shop clerk. Nonetheless, it is not difficult to find locally-grown and fresh produce. I'm sure in time, I will come across more options. For now, I will have to make do with what I come across and cook for my hungry princess.

Vegetable patties are great food for kids. It's not only easy to make, it's nutritious and a variety of vegetables can be easily added or substituted. I also add a sprinkle of hard cheese like Cheddar or Gruyere to the mixture if I have some on hand.

VEGETABLE PATTIES

makes about a 8 - 10 patties

Ingredients:

2 cups of Potatoes - boiled and mashed, 

1 cup of Broccoli - steamed and cut into tiny bits

1 cup of Aubergine (eggplant), - steamed or roasted and mashed

1 cup of Zucchini - strips are pan-fried and cut into small dice

add salt to taste

Put all the ingredients in to a bowl, and mix well (mix with one hand, the warmth of the hand works the gluten from the potato which helps to bind the mixture without adding eggs). Shape the mixture into the size of a golf ball. Gently press the ball in your palm to flatten it to form a patty. Make all the patties ready for pan-frying. Add a table spoon (or less depending on how many patties you have to fry) of oil of your choice to a frying pan on medium heat. Gently place the patties on the frying pan. Flip the patties only once; otherwise, it will fall apart. Fry the patties about 3 - 5 minutes on each side (all the ingredients are cooked so you don't need over cook it), until a golden-brown crust forms on the skin. Serve the patties warm, or allow them to cool to room temperature.

*Please note:

You can keep the patties in the freezer up to a week. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge and pan-fry once more without oil (putting a lid over the frying pan will speed up the heating).