There are no rules once you have mastered the base. Vary the recipe and use seasonal herbs and vegetables. (Lots of onions makes it sweet).

Traditionally a vegetarian dish however adding chicken or fish also works well.

• 2.5 cups besan, chick pea or gram flour
• zucchini, or courgettes – cut into straws
• 1 medium onion – sliced
• 1/2 red pepper – cut into straws
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1-2 hot chilies – chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill stems – chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander / cilantro stems – chopped
• handful of Vietnamese basil – chopped

Add chicken pieces to the batter

Add fish pieces to the batter

Vary the vegetables – use egg plant, cauliflower, sweet potato, corn

Vary the fresh herbs – use stems/leaves – Vietnamese mint, parsley, chives, garlic chives, curry leaves