Sabudana Batata Papad

Ingredients

• Pearl Nylon Sago – 1 cup
• Water – 4 cups, plus more if required
• Boiled potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and mashed completely smooth
• Green chilli-cumin paste – 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Rock salt or regular salt – as needed
• Oil – for greasing and later frying

Method

1. Choose two or more consecutive hot, dry, sunny days. Clean and completely dry the work surface, utensils and food-safe plastic sheets or steel plates before starting.
2. Rinse the sago and soak it in 2 cups water for 4 to 6 hours. The pearls should swell and soften; if a pearl still has a hard centre, extend the soaking time.
3. Transfer the soaked sago with its remaining water to a heavy pan. Add about 2 more cups water and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until every pearl is translucent and the mixture is thick, glossy and spoonable. Add small amounts of hot water if needed to prevent scorching.
4. While the mixture is still hot, add the completely smooth potato, chilli-cumin paste and salt. Stir firmly until no potato lumps or dry patches remain. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, then turn off the heat and mix in the lemon juice.
5. Cool only until the mixture is safe to handle; do not let it become fully cold and stiff. Lightly grease the sheets and the back of a spoon.
6. Drop one tablespoon portions with space between them. Spread each into an even round about 2 mm thick; thick centres stay damp and can spoil, while very thin edges may tear.
7. Dry in strong direct sun. Once the upper surface is no longer sticky, peel and turn each papad so the underside dries. Bring them indoors before evening moisture and return them to the sun the next day.
8. Continue drying for 2 to 4 days, depending on weather, until the papads are hard, brittle and completely moisture-free throughout. Discard any piece with damp spots, mould or an unusual smell.
9. Fry one test papad in properly hot oil; it should expand quickly and become crisp. Cool the remaining dried papads fully before storing airtight in a dry place.