Paneer pakora is a popular Indian snack that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick snack to munch on or want to serve something delicious and spicy at your next party, paneer pakora is the perfect choice. This dish is made by coating bite-sized pieces of paneer in a spicy gram flour batter and then deep-frying them until crispy and golden brown. The result is a mouth-watering snack that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make paneer pakora for 4 servings:
- 200g paneer, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup gram flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp ajwain seeds
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup water
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delicious paneer pakora:
-
In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain seeds, and baking soda. Mix them well.
-
Add water to the mixture and whisk it to form a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the paneer pieces.
-
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Dip each paneer piece into the batter and coat it evenly. Then, drop it into the hot oil.
-
Fry the paneer pakoras until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them occasionally. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
-
Serve the paneer pakoras hot with mint chutney or any other dip of your choice.
Vegetarian/Vegan Variation
If you want to make this recipe vegan, you can substitute paneer with tofu. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Gluten-Free Variation
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute gram flour with rice flour or any other gluten-free flour of your choice.
Conclusion
Paneer pakora is a delicious Indian snack that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat-eater, you are sure to enjoy the crispy and spicy flavor of this dish. So, give it a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
FAQ
What is Paneer Pakora?
Paneer Pakora is a popular Indian snack made with paneer, a type of Indian cheese, that is coated with chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until crispy.
What ingredients do I need to make Paneer Pakora?
To make Paneer Pakora, you will need paneer, chickpea flour, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain seeds, baking soda, water, and oil for frying.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of paneer?
Paneer is the traditional cheese used for Paneer Pakora, but you can use other types of cheese such as halloumi or queso blanco if you prefer.
How do I make the chickpea flour batter for Paneer Pakora?
To make the chickpea flour batter for Paneer Pakora, mix chickpea flour, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain seeds, and baking soda in a bowl. Slowly add water and mix until you have a smooth batter.
Can I make Paneer Pakora ahead of time?
Paneer Pakora is best served fresh and hot, but you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.
How should I store any leftover Paneer Pakora?
If you have any leftover Paneer Pakora, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again before serving.
Can I bake Paneer Pakora instead of deep-frying them?
Paneer Pakora is traditionally deep-fried for a crispy texture, but you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.
What dipping sauce goes well with Paneer Pakora?
Paneer Pakora pairs well with mint chutney or tamarind chutney, both of which are popular Indian dipping sauces.
Can I freeze Paneer Pakora?
Yes, you can freeze Paneer Pakora before frying them. Place the coated paneer cubes on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
How do I cut the paneer into cubes for Paneer Pakora?
To cut the paneer into cubes, first cut the paneer block into slices that are about ½ inch thick. Then, cut the slices into cubes that are about 1 inch in size.
