Assorted Vegetable Pakora Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Pakora Batter:
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/4 cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Approx. 3/4 cup water (as needed for batter)
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 medium potato, thinly sliced or julienned
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup cauliflower florets, small
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, julienned
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables. Wash and pat dry all the vegetables. Slice the potato and onion thinly. Chop spinach roughly. Break cauliflower into small florets and julienne bell pepper. Keep them ready.

2. 2

   Step 2: Make the Pakora Batter. In a large bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, carom seeds, asafoetida, ginger-garlic paste (if using), and salt. Gradually add water, whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth batter without lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the vegetables but not too runny. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Step 3: Coat the Vegetables. Add the prepared mixed vegetables to the batter. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula, ensuring each piece of vegetable is thoroughly coated with the spiced gram flour batter. Do not overmix, as it can make the vegetables release water.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fry the Pakoras. Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. To test the oil, drop a tiny bit of batter; if it sizzles and comes up immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully drop small spoonfuls of the coated vegetables into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.

5. 5

   Step 5: Cook to Perfection. Fry the pakoras for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter and vegetables.

6. 6

   Step 6: Serve Hot. Serve the hot, crispy Assorted Vegetable Pakoras immediately with your favorite chutney (mint, tamarind) or tomato ketchup and a hot cup of masala chai.