Paneer Pakora Recipe
Introduction
Paneer Pakora is a delicious Indian snack featuring soft paneer cubes coated in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. This crispy treat pairs wonderfully with green chutney and is perfect for teatime or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 200 grams paneer
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ¼ tsp ajwain (carom seeds), crushed
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 2 tbsp coriander, chopped
- Water (for batter)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine besan, rice flour, turmeric, chilli powder, crushed ajwain, ginger garlic paste, salt, hing, and chopped coriander.
- Step 2: Gradually add water while whisking to create a smooth, lump-free, thick batter.
- Step 3: Stir in baking powder and mix well to incorporate.
- Step 4: Cut paneer into small slices or cubes, then dip each piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Step 5: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame. Carefully drop the batter-coated paneer pieces into the hot oil.
- Step 6: Fry the pakoras, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Step 7: Remove the pakoras with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Step 8: Serve hot with green chutney or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra crunch, include a tablespoon of semolina (rava) in the batter.
- You can add finely chopped green chilies or garam masala to the batter for a spicier flavor.
- Use fresh paneer for the best texture; if using store-bought, soak in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
Storage
Paneer pakoras are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake paneer pakoras instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, but deep frying gives the most authentic texture and flavor.
What can I serve with paneer pakoras?
Paneer pakoras pair excellently with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or even ketchup for a simple dipping option.
Print
Paneer Pakora Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15–20 pakoras 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Paneer Pakora is a delicious Indian snack featuring soft cubes of paneer coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. These crispy fritters make a perfect accompaniment to tea or a flavorful appetizer for any occasion, served best with green chutney.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp ajwain (carom seeds), crushed
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- Water (as needed to make batter)
- ½ tsp baking powder
Main Ingredient:
- 200 grams paneer, sliced into small pieces
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup besan, 2 tbsp rice flour, ¼ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp chilli powder, ¼ tsp crushed ajwain, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, ½ tsp salt, a pinch of hing, and 2 tbsp chopped coriander. Stir thoroughly to mix all the dry ingredients.
- Add water and whisk: Gradually add water to the dry mixture while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free thick batter suitable for coating the paneer slices.
- Incorporate baking powder: Once the batter is smooth, add ½ tsp baking powder and mix well to help make the pakoras crispier and lighter.
- Dip paneer slices: Take small pieces of paneer and dip each piece thoroughly into the prepared batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium flame. Carefully drop the batter-coated paneer pieces into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden: Fry the pakoras while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the pakoras from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the hot, crispy Paneer Pakoras immediately with green chutney or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack experience.
Notes
- Ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the paneer well but not too thick to avoid heavy pakoras.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red chili powder according to taste.
- Use fresh paneer for best texture and flavor.
- Maintain medium heat while frying to cook the pakoras evenly without burning.
- Serve hot for the best taste and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Paneer Pakora, Indian Snack, Fried Paneer, Pakora Recipe, Indian Appetizer, Crispy Paneer Fritters
