Gram Flour Pakodas: A Crunchy and Flavorful Snack Recipe

Gram flour pakodas, also known as besan pakodas, are a beloved Indian snack that promises a crispy exterior and flavorful interior. This simple recipe will guide you through the process of making these delicious snacks from start to finish.

Ingredients

Gram flour (besan): 1 cup Vegetables: 1-2 cups, e.g., potatoes, onions, spinach, cauliflower, or any vegetable of your choice, cut into bite-sized pieces Spices: Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp Red chili powder: 1 tsp (adjust to taste) Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp (optional) Ajwain (carom seeds): 1/2 tsp (optional) Salt: to taste Water: as needed Oil: for deep frying

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and cut your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using potatoes, you can slice them thinly or cut them into small cubes.

Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, add the gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ajwain, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while stirring to make a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be such that it coats the back of a spoon but is not too runny.

Add the prepared vegetables to the batter and mix until they are well coated. Make sure the vegetables are evenly covered with the batter.

Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or kadhai, heat oil over medium heat.

To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. It should sizzle and rise to the surface.

Fry the Pakodas

Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter-coated vegetables into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Drain and Serve

Once cooked, remove the pakodas with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve hot with chutney like mint, tamarind, or ketchup.

Tips

You can add chopped green chilies, ginger, or garlic to the batter for extra flavor. For a variation, you can also add spices like garam masala or dried herbs. If you want a lighter version, you can bake the pakodas instead of frying. Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.

Enjoy your homemade pakodas!