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Healthier Pan-Fried Pakora

Pan-Fried Pakistani Pakora

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This is my healthier spin on the traditionally deep-fried Pakistani/Punjabi pakora (onion and potato fritter). These pakoras are an ideal snack, naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, and I've included a simple green chutney recipe to go with them!
Course Snack
Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
Diet Gluten Free, Halal, Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 135

Ingredients

  • 1 small onion quartered and thinly sliced
  • 1 small russet potato peeled, quartered lengthwise, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2-1 small Serrano pepper or Thai green chili pepper finely chopped (remove seeds for less spice)
  • 1 -2 tbsp cilantro leaves chopped
  • 1 tbsp mint leaves chopped (optional)
  • ½ tbsp neutral oil may omit but this makes them extra moist
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 - 1 ½ tsp whole coriander seeds roughly crushed using a mortar and pestle
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes
  • 1 1/8 tsp table salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • scant 1 cup chickpea flour gram flour/besan
  • 2/3 - 3/4 cup water
  • neutral oil such as grapeseed or avocado as needed for pan frying

Optional add-ins:

  • 1/4 tsp whole carom seeds (ajwain) roughly crushed using a mortar and pestle
  • ½ tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (methi) crushed between the palms of your hands
  • 1/4 tsp red chili powder for extra spice
  • simple green chutney optional - for serving

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients up until the chickpea flour in a bowl.
  • In another bowl, add the chickpea flour and 2/3 cup water and stir to combine so that no large lumps remain (small lumps are okay). Add additional water if needed to have a pourable consistency. Pour this mixture into the vegetables and mix well.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add enough oil to thinly coat the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the pakora mixture a heaped tablespoon at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (I do 4 at a time). Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, adding oil as needed. Repeat until all pakoras are cooked.
  • Place on a plate topped with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve with green chutney (recipe in the notes) and/or ketchup.
  • To prepare the simple green chutney, add all ingredients in a spice/coffee grinder or blender and blend until smooth. Add water as needed to thin it out. Put the mixture in a bowl and whisk with yogurt, if desired. 

Notes

*Be sure to slice the potatoes thin for faster cooking!
**For the chutney, you can also double the quantity of cilantro or mint and omit the other.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg