Tantalize your taste buds with the delectable Spinach Pakora Fritters, a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Originating from the vibrant streets of India, these fritters are a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion. The vibrant green spinach, coated in a golden-brown batter, creates a captivating visual appeal that matches its irresistible taste. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to crafting these delectable fritters, ensuring a crispy exterior and a tender, succulent interior. Additionally, we offer variations to cater to diverse dietary preferences, including a gluten-free alternative and a vegan option. Embark on a culinary journey and discover the secrets to creating these irresistible Spinach Pakora Fritters that will elevate your culinary repertoire.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SPINACH PAKORA (FRITTERS)
Fritters or pakoras are considered the most readily available snack any time of the day. It is a treat especially in cold rainy weather when the aroma of fried dough and vegetables is very comforting. These can be made in advance and frozen. Warm in a 350 degreeF oven before serving. Makes 40-45 pieces. This is from Kusum's book 'Recipes with a Spice - Indian cuisine for balanced nutrition'.
Provided by kusum gupta
Categories Vegetable
Time 40m
Yield 40 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Sift the gram flour.
- Mix all the ingredients (except oil), to make a smooth and thick (almost like dough) batter.
- Cover and let it stand for ½ hour.
- Sprinkle little water if needed.
- (If using frozen spinach, thaw before using.) Blend in all the seasonings (except salt) and mix well.
- (You may chill the batter in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or more until it can be handled.) Mix in salt when ready to cook.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok on medium to high heat.
- For each pakora, scoop a heaped teaspoon of the batter, and with a second spoon, scrape the mixture into the hot oil.
- Put the'pakoras' in a single layer in the skillet.
- Fry, turning them with a slotted flat spatula, until all sides become golden brown.
- (Regulate the heat as needed while the'pakoras' are being fried.) Remove and drain on paper towels or brown paper bag lined with plastic.
- Fry all the'pakoras' this way.
- Serve hot with any chutney.
- Variation: Add 1 cup corn kernels to the mixture for extra crispness.
- May also add ½ teaspoon baking soda to ensure softness.
INDIAN SPINACH-AND-CHICKPEA FRITTERS
Steps:
- Whisk the chickpea flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cumin seeds, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add 2/3 cup water and whisk until smooth. Add the onion, chickpeas, spinach and ginger to the batter and mix to combine.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil (do not crowd the pan). Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cool slightly, then gently press each fritter into a small disk, about 1/3 inch thick.
- Return the fritters to the hot oil and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and serve with chutney.
ONION AND SPINACH PAKORA WITH CILANTRO CHUTNEY
Pakora are a street-food favorite across India and in many other parts of the world. These crispy fritters make a fabulous snack or appetizer and are fairly quick to pull off at home. Pakora usually feature besan (chickpea flour) and can include a variety of seasonal vegetables; onions are standard, and here I add tender baby spinach. These are a favorite of mine, especially on a rainy day with a hot cuppa chai.
Provided by Maneet Chauhan
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- For the pakora: Pour the oil into a large, deep pot and place over medium heat until it registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
- Meanwhile, combine the spinach, onion, cilantro, besan, rice flour, ginger garlic paste, fenugreek, turmeric, chaat masala, garam masala, chili powder and salt to taste in a large bowl. Stir the mixture well. Stir in enough water to make a thick batter.
- When the oil is hot, working in batches, drop balls of the batter mixture into the oil. Fry until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with chaat masala and serve hot.
- For the cilantro-mint chutney: In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, mint, mango, chiles, lime juice and salt to taste and process or blend until smooth. Serve alongside the pakora.
Tips:
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach leaves yield the best flavor and texture in pakoras. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves.
- Chop the spinach finely: Finely chopped spinach helps the pakoras hold together better and makes them easier to eat.
- Use a variety of spices: The combination of cumin, coriander, and garam masala gives the pakoras a delicious and complex flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make the pakoras tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fry the pakoras in hot oil: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the pakoras are added. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
- Drain the pakoras on paper towels: This will help remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Conclusion:
Spinach pakoras are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can also be enjoyed as a light meal. With their vibrant green color and flavorful filling, spinach pakoras are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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