Spicy Vegetable Pakoris
These crispy, spicy vegetable fritters (pakoris) are perfect as a snack or appetizer, paired with a tangy tamarind chutney for the ultimate flavor experience.
Equipment
- Wok or karhai (deep-frying pan)
- mixing bowl
- slotted spoon
Ingredients
- For the batter:
- 100 g 4 oz chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- For the filling:
- 3 medium potatoes peeled
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- To serve:
- Plain Tamarind Chutney
Instructions
- To make the batter, sift the chickpea flour into a mixing bowl.
- Gradually mix in about 200 ml (7 fl oz) water until the batter is thick enough to coat the vegetables.
- Add the salt, turmeric, cumin, bicarbonate of soda, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the batter, and mix well.
- Cut the potatoes into thin rounds, about 1 mm (⅛ inch) thick, and immerse them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
- Pour enough oil into a wok, karhai, or other deep-frying pan to give a 6–7.
- 5 cm (2½–3 inch) depth in the middle.
- Heat the oil over low to medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Take a few potato slices at a time, wipe them dry, and dip them in the batter.
- Drop them into the hot oil in a single layer.
- Fry the pakoris slowly for 7–10 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
- Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Keep the cooked pakoris hot while frying the remaining batches in the same way.
- Serve the pakoris while they are crisp and hot, with Plain Tamarind Chutney as a dip.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serving Tip:
Serve with a side of crisp salad or as an appetizer with drinks for a deliciously spicy snack.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the flavors of the pakoris.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 12 g | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 3 g | Salt: 1 g
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