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Crispy, golden-brown fritters packed with assorted vegetables and spiced chickpea flour. A quintessential Indian tea-time snack, especially on a rainy day, that is incredibly flavorful and addictive.
Prepare Vegetables and Spices
Create the Batter
Heat the Oil
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Crispy, golden-brown fritters packed with assorted vegetables and spiced chickpea flour. A quintessential Indian tea-time snack, especially on a rainy day, that is incredibly flavorful and addictive.
This indian recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 343.96 calories per serving with 10.47g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Fry the Pakoras
Serve Hot
Feel free to use other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers (capsicum), shredded cabbage, grated carrots, or fenugreek leaves (methi).
For a lower-oil version, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pakoras in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala or chaat masala to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and tanginess.
Add small cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the vegetable mix for a protein-rich and delicious variation.
The primary ingredient, besan (chickpea flour), is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Loaded with various vegetables and made from chickpeas, these pakoras provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
The assortment of vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, and onions contributes a range of essential vitamins (like Vitamin C and K) and minerals (like potassium and iron) to your diet.
Since the batter is made from chickpea and rice flour, this snack is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease (ensure asafoetida is also gluten-free).
This usually happens for two reasons: the oil temperature was too low, or the batter was too thin. Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F / 175°C) and your batter is thick enough to just coat the vegetables.
The key is using rice flour along with besan. Also, frying in hot oil and not overcrowding the pan helps maintain the temperature, leading to crispier results. Draining on a wire rack also prevents them from getting soggy.
It's best to fry the pakoras immediately after making the batter. If the batter sits for too long, the vegetables will release more water, making it runny and resulting in less crispy pakoras.
Classic pairings include green mint-coriander chutney for a fresh, herby flavor, and sweet-sour tamarind chutney. Simple tomato ketchup is also a popular and kid-friendly option.
While pakoras contain nutritious vegetables and protein-rich chickpea flour, they are deep-fried, which adds significant fat and calories. They are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
A serving of 5 vegetable pakoras contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the specific vegetables used and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.