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Diwali Asia

Pakoras Recipe

📚 Food•8 min read•January 15, 2024

Learn about pakoras recipe for Diwali celebrations with comprehensive guide and tips.

Pakoras Recipe

Pakoras are the quintessential Diwali snack - crispy, golden, and absolutely delicious. These vegetable fritters made with gram flour (besan) are perfect for celebrating the Festival of Lights with family and friends. Learn to make perfect Pakoras with this traditional recipe.

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Ingredients

For the Batter

  • 1 cup Gram flour (besan)
  • 1/4 cup Rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • 1 tsp Red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking soda
  • 3/4 cup Water (or as needed)

Vegetables (Choose any combination)

  • 2 medium Onions (sliced)
  • 2 medium Potatoes (sliced)
  • 1 cup Spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup Cauliflower florets
  • 1 medium Eggplant (sliced)
  • 1 cup Bell peppers (sliced)

For Frying

  • Oil for deep frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste (optional)

Batter Preparation

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Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes |Total Time: 50 minutes | Serves: 6-8 people

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour (if using), red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix well to combine all dry ingredients.
  2. Add Water Gradually: Slowly add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the vegetables but not too thick that it becomes dough-like.
  3. Add Fresh Ingredients: Add chopped coriander leaves and ginger-garlic paste (if using) to the batter. Mix well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Frying Technique

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough (350-375°F) - you can test by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
  2. Coat the Vegetables: Dip each vegetable slice into the batter, ensuring it's completely coated. Shake off any excess batter.
  3. Fry in Batches: Carefully drop the coated vegetables into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in small batches for even cooking.
  4. Cook Until Golden: Fry the Pakoras for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them occasionally.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the Pakoras from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.
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Vegetable Variations

You can make Pakoras with various vegetables. Here are some popular combinations:

  • Onion Pakoras: Thinly sliced onions make the most popular Pakoras
  • Mixed Vegetable Pakoras: Combine onions, potatoes, and spinach
  • Cauliflower Pakoras: Use small cauliflower florets for bite-sized treats
  • Spinach Pakoras: Fresh spinach leaves create healthy and delicious Pakoras
  • Potato Pakoras: Thinly sliced potatoes make crispy and satisfying Pakoras

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup
  • Pair with hot tea or coffee for the perfect Diwali evening
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges
  • Serve as an appetizer before the main Diwali meal

Tips & Tricks

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Pro Tips:
  • • Ensure vegetables are dry before dipping in batter
  • • Don't make the batter too thin or too thick
  • • Maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking
  • • Don't overcrowd the pan while frying
  • • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture
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TL;DR - Quick Summary

Perfect Diwali Snack: These crispy Pakoras are the perfect addition to your Diwali celebrations. With their golden exterior and flavorful interior, they bring joy to every bite and create lasting memories with family and friends.
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❓Frequently Asked Questions