Easy Homemade Vegetable Pakoras with Spiced Yogurt Dip
Crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying—these easy homemade vegetable pakoras are the perfect snack or appetizer! Pair them with a creamy, spiced yogurt dip, and you'll be in snack heaven. Let's turn simple veggies into a golden-fried masterpiece together. Ready to cook up some magic?
5.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Indian
Ingredients
- •1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- •1/4 cup rice flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon ground coriander
- •1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- •1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- •Salt to taste
- •1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)
- •1 small onion, thinly sliced
- •1 small carrot, grated
- •1 small potato, grated
- •1/2 cup chopped spinach
- •1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- •1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- •Vegetable oil for frying
- •1/2 cup plain yogurt (for dip)
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for dip)
- •1/2 teaspoon paprika or red chili powder (for dip)
- •1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or cilantro (for dip)
- •Salt to taste (for dip)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, mix chickpea flour, rice flour, baking powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- 2
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring to create a thick, smooth batter.
- 3
Add the sliced onion, grated carrot, grated potato, chopped spinach, green chili (if using), and cilantro to the batter. Mix until the vegetables are well-coated.
- 4
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- 5
Using a spoon or your hands, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil.
- 6
Fry the pakoras in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 7
Remove the pakoras from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- 8
For the dip, whisk plain yogurt, ground cumin, paprika or red chili powder, chopped mint or cilantro, and salt in a small bowl until combined.
- 9
Serve the hot pakoras with the spiced yogurt dip.
Nutrition Information
Calories
200 calories (per serving, 4 servings total)
Protein
5g
Carbs
25g
Fat
10g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute chickpea flour with another type of flour?
A: Chickpea flour is essential for the authentic texture and flavor of pakoras, but if you can't find it, you can try substituting with all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. However, note that the texture and taste will differ, and the pakoras may not be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, consider using a mix of gluten-free flours, though results may vary.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
A: You can lower the spice level by omitting or reducing the red chili powder and green chili. If you prefer spicier pakoras, increase the red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies. The spiced yogurt dip can also be adjusted by reducing or increasing the paprika or red chili powder.
Q: Can I bake or air fry the pakoras instead of deep frying?
A: Yes, you can bake or air fry them for a healthier alternative. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly grease a baking sheet, and place spoonfuls of the batter on it. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. For air frying, lightly brush the pakoras with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Q: How should I store leftover pakoras?
A: Store leftover pakoras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Q: What if my batter is too thin or too thick?
A: If the batter is too thin, it won't coat the vegetables properly. Add a little more chickpea flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is thick enough to coat the vegetables. If the batter is too thick, it may result in dense pakoras. Gradually add small amounts of water to loosen it until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the pakora batter?
A: Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like cauliflower florets, chopped bell peppers, or shredded zucchini. Make sure to chop or shred the vegetables finely and squeeze out excess moisture from watery vegetables like zucchini to prevent the batter from becoming too thin.
Q: Can I make the spiced yogurt dip ahead of time?
A: Yes, the spiced yogurt dip can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur during storage.
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