Paneer Pakora Recipe
Paneer Pakora: The Ultimate Indian Snack. As a housewife and food enthusiast, I have always had a special place in my heart for Paneer Pakora. This crispy, flavorful snack has been a staple in Indian cuisine for generations, and for good reason. Its irresistible aroma, tender texture, and savory taste make it the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, Paneer Pakora is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
What is Paneer Pakora?
Paneer Pakora is a popular Indian snack made with paneer, a type of soft cheese, coated in a spicy batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is a delicious, indulgent treat that is perfect for satisfying your cravings, and it’s also very easy to make. The combination of tender, tangy paneer and crunchy, spicy batter is a true delight for the taste buds.
Variations of Paneer Pakora
There are many variations of Paneer Pakora, each with its own unique twist. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Onion Paneer Pakora: Paneer and onion slices are coated in the batter for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
- Chilli Paneer Pakora: Add some extra heat to your Paneer Pakora by incorporating chili pepper into the batter.
- Aloo Paneer Pakora: Combine paneer and potato slices for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
- Mutter Paneer Pakora: Add some green peas to your batter for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Nutrition – Paneer Pakora
Paneer Pakora is a calorie-dense snack, as it is deep-fried. One serving of Paneer Pakora can contain around 200-300 calories, depending on the recipe. While it is high in fat and calories, it is also a good source of protein, thanks to the paneer. It’s best to enjoy Paneer Pakora in moderation, as part of a well-balanced diet.
Paneer Pakora is a delicious, indulgent snack that is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its irresistible aroma, tender texture, and savory taste, it’s no wonder that this dish has been a staple in Indian cuisine for generations. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something delicious and indulgent, give Paneer Pakora a try!
Step by Step Paneer Pakora Recipe
Paneer Pakora Recipe
Ingredients
- 150 grams paneer / cottage cheese
- 1 cup Besan / Gram flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp Carom seeds / ajwain
- pinch Asafoetida / hing
- 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- ¾ cup water
- oil
- chaat masala
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Slice paneer into cubes or squares.
Cooking
- Add gram flour into a Mixing Bowl and add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida, carom seeds and garam masala. Mix very well.
- Now, add water little by little and whisk the batter to smooth thick flowing consistency.
- Add paneer cubes in it and let it rest for 15 minutes so that paneer marinate with the batter nicely.
- Heat oil for deep frying in a Kadai over medium to medium-high heat.
- When the oil becomes medium-hot, add the batter coated paneer cubes carefully in the medium-hot oil.
- When one side is lightly golden, gently flip the pakora with a Slotted Spoon. Continue to fry the paneer pakora until golden and crisp.
- Remove Paneer Pakora on kitchen towels to soak excess oil.
- Sprinkle some chaat masala and serve hot Paneer Pakora with green chutney or tomato sauce.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Batter consistency: Make a thick and flowing batter, not thin or runny batter for crispy pakoras.
- Frying tips: Try to fry in medium hot oil and not in warm oil which makes pakoras absorb more oil and turn soggy. Do not fry in a very hot oil, which will make pakoras quickly brown from outside and uncooked from outside.
- Slicing paneer: You can make decorative shapes like round, square, triangle or rectangle from a block of paneer if you plan to make a large batch for a party.
- Salt & Spices: Adjust as per your taste buds.
- Oil: Use any oil that has a high smoke point for deep frying. In India, mustard oil is generally used for frying pakoras.
- Air frying: You can also air fry pakoras in an Air Fryer at 180°C for 10-12 mins or until fried crispy and golden.
- Leavening ingredient: Feel free to add a pinch of baking soda or baking powder for a fluffy and crispy paneer pakora, if desired.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Paneer Pakora Recipe
What is the origin of Paneer Pakora?
Paneer Pakora is an Indian snack that has its roots in North India. It’s made with crumbly and fresh paneer, which is a type of cheese, coated in a batter made from besan (chickpea flour) and spices. The crispy and delicious pakoras are then deep-fried to golden perfection, making them an irresistible treat for anyone with a love for Indian cuisine.
How do I make Paneer Pakora batter?
The batter for Paneer Pakora is made from besan, spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, and baking powder, and water. The batter should have a thick and creamy consistency that’s able to coat the paneer pieces evenly. Ensure to mix the batter thoroughly, to avoid any lumps, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before using it to coat the paneer.
What are some variations of Paneer Pakora?
There are many variations of Paneer Pakora, each adding its own unique twist to this classic snack. Some popular variations include:
- Aloo Paneer Pakora: Made with a combination of paneer and potatoes.
- Mix Vegetable Paneer Pakora: Made with a mixture of vegetables and paneer, such as carrots, bell peppers, and corn.
- Masala Paneer Pakora: Made with paneer and a mixture of spices, such as garam masala, coriander, and cumin.
- Mango Paneer Pakora: Made with paneer and sweet mango chunks.
Can Paneer Pakora be made without deep frying?
Yes, Paneer Pakora can be made without deep frying by using an air fryer or oven-baking the pakoras. To oven-bake Paneer Pakora, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the coated paneer pakoras on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
What are the nutrition values of Paneer Pakora?
One serving of Paneer Pakora contains approximately 200-250 calories, with 10-15g of fat and 20-25g of carbohydrates. It’s important to note that the calorie and fat content of Paneer Pakora will vary based on the method of cooking and the ingredients used in the batter.
Can Paneer Pakora be made in advance?
Yes, Paneer Pakora can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the chilled pakoras on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
See Also:
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