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
Scale
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
