Pakora
Crispy and savory vegetable fritters made with a gram flour (besan) batter, perfect as a tea-time snack, especially during the monsoon season.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Besan (gram flour)(Sifted for a smoother batter)
- 2 medium Onion(Thinly sliced into half-moons)
- 2 medium Potatoes(Peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick). Can be parboiled for 2-3 minutes if you prefer softer potatoes.)
- 1 cup Spinach leaves(Fresh, washed and roughly chopped)
- 2 Green chilies(Finely chopped, adjust to your spice preference. Remove seeds for less heat.)
- 1/2 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder(For color and flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder(Optional, for extra heat and color)
- as needed Water(To make the batter)
- for deep frying Oil(Such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, combine the sifted besan, ajwain, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder (if using). Gradually add water, a little at a time, whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth batter. The consistency should be like pancake batter, thick enough to coat the vegetables but not so thick that it becomes heavy. Stir in the chopped green chilies. Let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the vegetables: Ensure your sliced onions, potatoes, and spinach are ready. Pat them dry with a paper towel if they seem wet, as excess moisture can affect the batter's adherence and frying.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep pan or kadai to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 175°C (350°F). You can test the oil's temperature by dropping a tiny bit of batter into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 4
Coat and fry the pakoras: Dip each vegetable slice (onion rings, potato slices) into the prepared batter, ensuring it's well coated. Gently slide the battered vegetables into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 4-6 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crisp. The spinach can be added directly to the batter and then dropped in spoonfuls for spinach pakoras.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 5
Drain and serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the pakoras from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, traditionally with green chutney or ketchup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The batter consistency is key: too thin and it won't coat, too thick and the pakoras will be doughy.
- ✓Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents the pakoras from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- ✓Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- ✓Adding a pinch of baking soda to the batter can make the pakoras lighter and crispier.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Paneer pakora (using paneer cubes dipped in batter)
- Bread pakora (using bread slices dipped in batter)
- Mixed vegetable pakora (adding other vegetables like cauliflower florets, eggplant slices, or bell peppers)
- Add finely chopped cilantro or mint leaves to the batter for extra flavor.