Loading...
Crispy, golden-brown fritters made with fresh spinach and a spiced chickpea flour batter. This popular Indian tea-time snack is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a rainy day.
Prepare the Dry Mix
Incorporate Vegetables
Form the Pakora Batter
Deep Fry the Pakoras
A dhaba-style classic featuring tender urad dal fried with a fragrant masala of onions, tomatoes, and ginger. This semi-dry lentil dish is hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with hot naan or roti.
A vibrant and energizing Indian-style bowl packed with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and wholesome seeds in a lightly sweetened, cardamom-infused yogurt base. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or a revitalizing snack, this no-cook recipe is ready in just 10 minutes.
A wholesome and savory porridge made from broken wheat and mixed vegetables. This one-pot meal is a popular, nutritious breakfast or light lunch option across India, ready in under 30 minutes.
A savory and wholesome Indian breakfast made with roasted vermicelli, colorful vegetables, and a fragrant tempering of spices. This quick one-pot meal is light on the stomach and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
Crispy, golden-brown fritters made with fresh spinach and a spiced chickpea flour batter. This popular Indian tea-time snack is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a rainy day.
This indian recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 321.54 calories per serving with 10.44g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Drain and Serve
Add other finely chopped vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers to the batter for a mixed vegetable pakora.
Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro or mint leaves into the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
For a different flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala to the dry spice mix.
Spinach is an excellent source of plant-based iron, which is crucial for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells and preventing anemia.
The use of gram flour (besan) provides a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Both spinach and gram flour are high in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Spices like carom seeds (ajwain) and asafoetida (hing) are traditionally used in Indian cooking to improve digestion and prevent bloating.
The key to crispy pakoras is using rice flour along with gram flour, ensuring the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), and not overcrowding the pan. Adding a tablespoon of hot oil to the batter right before frying also makes them crispier.
Yes, for a healthier version. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pakoras in a single layer in the basket, spray them lightly with oil, and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Oily pakoras are usually a result of the frying oil not being hot enough. When the oil is too cool, the batter absorbs it instead of instantly searing and cooking. Always test the oil temperature before frying.
While spinach provides valuable nutrients like iron and vitamins, pakoras are deep-fried, which makes them high in fat and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. Air-frying is a healthier cooking alternative.
A typical serving of 5 spinach pakoras contains approximately 250-300 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
Spinach pakoras are traditionally served with mint-coriander chutney, sweet tamarind chutney, or simple tomato ketchup. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of Indian masala chai, especially on a rainy day.