Spicy vegetable pakoda (or vegetable fritter) is one of my favorite appetizer. The are made with chickpea flour (known by the name of besan). They are spicy and are made with various herbs and spices. Depending on the region of India it is from, different spices are substituted or added. Coriander powder, black onion seeds, carom, fennel seeds etc are added depending on the region of the country it is made in.
When I used to live in Minnesota, three of my co-workers and I used to cook a ethnic meal every quarter in the company we used to work for. We used to cook Indian, Vietnamese and Indonesian appetizers and entrees and finish off with an American dessert at the end. It became so popular, that even people who had never tried ethnic food enjoyed the food. We used to make the appetizer in the company’s kitchen using fryers and the entrees were made the previous night at home. The event became so popular that we were featured in the Star Tribune, the local newspaper.
The best part of making pakodas is that they are very easy to make and very versatile. You can use all kinds of vegetables with the batter and fry them. Feel free to customize according to your taste. If you like them spicier, use habanero chillies. Use different cooking oils (indicated below) to give a different taste.
My 7 year old daughter helped me with the layout of the finished recipe. Out of the various photos, it just so happened that her photo layout turned out to be the best! I am really proud of her.
Spicy Vegetable Pakodas (or Vegetable Fritters)
The vegetable pakodas (or fritters) are a very tasty appetizer. They can be eaten as is or dipped in cilantro and mint chutney or sweet and spicy tamarind chutney. They can be paired with black Indian tea or ginger and cardamom chai or even a good red wine! They can be eaten as a snack or as an appetizer before a meal. They are very versatile. You can substitute different vegetables like scallions, baby spinach, paneer (Indian cheese), etc. Also, I used peanut oil to fry them. Oils with high ‘smoke points’, in other words, those which do not break down at deep frying temperatures, are best. Peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil are some good choices.
Ingredients:
1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
1 1/2 tablespoon peanut or corn or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black onion seeds (optional)
2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (or coriander) leaves
2 serrano green chillies (use 4 for a spicy dish)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup warm water
Oil for frying (peanut oil or any vegetable oil that can withstand high temperature)
Directions:
Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly until it is lump free. Let batter sit, covered, at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
Heat the oil in a fryer until it is very hot (375 ° F) or on a stove on medium heat. Test by adding a spoonful of batter. Once the oil is ready, gently add few spoonfuls of batter at a time and deep fry till golden brown. Fry 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the pakodas (or fritters), using a slotted spoon, to a paper towel lined plate.
Makes approximately 20 pakodas – enough for 3-4 people
NOTE: If you do not have an Indian store, you can buy the chickpea flour here (called Besan) – Besan or Chick Pea Flour
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This looks yummy.
Where can I get chickpea flour?
Pakoras looks crispy and delicious!
Hi Evil Evan
You can get the chickpea flour (or Besan) from an Indian store or by clicking the link under Food Sites | Indian Grocery Items. Look for Ajika Besan.
Thanks Vani. They did come out really tasty!
I love this recipe, have made it a few times. Great with tea or chai.
Gorgeous photos, Sanjay!!!
Thanks Angie.
Sanjay, are you going to be adding a new recipe soon?
I made these for a dinner party, they were a hit! The combo of spices were delicious. Like you said the oil needs to be hot (375 or even a little higher). Hot oil made bigger and crispier Pakodas.
That’s nice Theresa! I told you they will be a big hit. They have always been a big hit when I make it at my dinner parties or at a friend’s house.
Making these again, this time for my family the 4th, American huh
? i only wish I was organized enough to get ingredients to make the chutneys.