Vegetable Pakora Recipe
Vegetable Pakora Recipe: As a housewife and food critic, I have a deep love for Indian cuisine and one dish that always brings a smile to my face is Vegetable Pakora. The aroma of freshly fried pakoras wafting through the kitchen is enough to make my mouth water and my stomach grumble with anticipation. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, combined with the bold and flavorful spices, make Vegetable Pakora a truly irresistible dish.
What is Vegetable Pakora
Vegetable Pakora is a popular Indian snack made with a mixture of vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and eggplant, coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It is typically served as an appetizer or snack, but can also be enjoyed as a light meal. Vegetable Pakora is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of ingredients and spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
Variations of Vegetable Pakora
While traditional Indian Vegetable Pakoras are made with a variety of vegetables, there are many variations of the recipe that can be made with different fillings. Some variations include:
Indian Paneer Pakoras: This variation includes the addition of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the filling.
Indian Tofu Pakoras: This variation includes the addition of tofu to the filling. Paneer Pakora – Made with cubed paneer cheese that is coated in the spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Indian Mushroom Pakoras: This variation includes the addition of mushrooms to the filling.
Vegetable Pakora is also called Bhajia or Bhajiya in Mumbai,India. It is crisp, fried snack made of gram flour, some masalas and vegetablesof your own choice.
Onion Pakora – Made with sliced onions that are coated in the spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Aloo Pakora – Made with sliced potatoes that are coated in the spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Mix Vegetable Pakora – Made with a mixture of vegetables such as onions, potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers, coated in the spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Mushroom Pakora – Made with sliced mushrooms that are coated in the spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Nutrition – Vegetable Pakora
Vegetable Pakora, while delicious, is not the healthiest option due to the deep-frying process. A single serving of Vegetable Pakora contains high amounts of fat and calories, making it an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet. However, the inclusion of vegetables in the dish does add some nutritional benefits, such as fiber and vitamins. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and to enjoy Vegetable Pakora in moderation.
Indian Vegetable Pakoras are a deep-fried snack that is high in calories and fat. To make it a healthier option you could try baking them instead of deep frying, using whole wheat flour and using less oil in the cooking process. Additionally, serving them with a low-calorie dipping sauce can decrease the overall calorie content of the dish.
Step by Step Vegetable Pakora Recipe
Vegetable Pakora Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Whole wheat Flour
- ½ tsp Carom seeds / ajwain
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp Asafoetida / hing
- ½ tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 2 cups cauliflower / gobi
- 1 cup beans
- 1 cup Onions
- 2 cup Potatoes
- ½ cup green chillies
- Optional any veggie of your choice
- Oil
Instructions
- Preheat airfryer to 180C. Lightly grease a baking sheet or muffin tins with cooking oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour and all masalas. Slowly whisk in the water, adding only enough to make a thick paste. You may need more than the amount in the ingredients list.
- Add the chopped veggies to the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet, or spoon into muffin cups.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes then brush oil and flip and brush oil to the other side also.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes more or until golden. Watch frequently so they don’t burn.
- Serve with green chutney or any other sauce.
Notes & Tips
- Vegetables: You can use any vegetables of your own choice.
- Oil: You can use any oil. I use olive oil or canola oil.
- Asafoetida: You can skip this ingredient completely if it is not available at your place.
- Red Chilli Powder: To get the bright orangish-red color, it is best to use Kashmiri red chilli powder or deghi mirch instead of artificial food colors.
- Other option than Air Fryer: You can shallow fry these pakoras as well, in case you don’t want to deep fry or air fry them.
- For Green Chutney: In a mixi jar, add one coriander leaves bunch, one onion, ½ inch ginger, 2-3 garlic, 2 medium size green chillies, pomegranate powder (alternatively) can use half lemon juice), salt to taste, ½ tsp red chilli powder, ¼ tsp garam masala. Add enough water to make a thick paste.
- Ingredients: Find these ingredients at Indian specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
- Guten Appetite!
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Vegetable Pakora Recipe
What are Vegetable Pakoras?
Vegetable Pakoras are a popular Indian snack made by deep-frying a mixture of seasoned vegetables coated in a spiced batter. They are crispy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, making them a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer. Vegetable Pakoras can be made with a variety of vegetables, including onion, spinach, eggplant, or potato, and are often enjoyed with a side of chutney or sauce.
What ingredients do I need to make Vegetable Pakoras?
To make Vegetable Pakoras, you will need vegetables of your choice, such as onion, spinach, eggplant, or potato, as well as a batter made with besan (chickpea flour), spices, salt, and water. Some common spices used in the batter include cumin, coriander, chili powder, and garam masala. You will also need oil for deep-frying.
How to make Vegetable Pakoras?
To make Vegetable Pakoras, you will need to prepare the batter by mixing besan, spices, salt, and water. Then, you will need to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and dip them into the batter, making sure to coat them evenly. Next, you will need to heat oil in a deep pan and carefully drop the battered vegetables into the hot oil. Fry until the pakoras are crispy and golden brown, then drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
What are some popular dipping sauces for Vegetable Pakoras?
Some popular dipping sauces for Vegetable Pakoras include mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt sauce. These sauces provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the crispy and savory pakoras, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. You can also serve Vegetable Pakoras with ketchup or any other sauce of your choice.
Can Vegetable Pakoras be baked instead of fried?
Yes, Vegetable Pakoras can be baked instead of fried for a healthier alternative. To bake Vegetable Pakoras, you will need to preheat the oven to 400°F, place the pakoras on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Baked Vegetable Pakoras are lower in fat and calories than fried pakoras, but may not have the same crispy texture as the fried version.
What makes Vegetable Pakoras unique compared to other Indian snacks?
Vegetable Pakoras are unique compared to other Indian snacks because of their crispy, crunchy texture and their versatility. They can be made with a variety of vegetables and spices, making them a tasty and customizable snack. Additionally, Vegetable Pakoras are easy to make and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They are also perfect for entertaining, as they can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature.
What are some variations of Vegetable Pakoras that can be made?
There are many variations of Vegetable Pakoras that can be made, depending on your personal taste preferences. Some popular variations include adding spices or herbs to the batter, using different types of vegetables, or serving with different dipping sauces. You can also make non-vegetable pakoras, such as chicken or fish pakoras, for a non-vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless, making Vegetable Pakoras a versatile and delicious snack.
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