Pan Fried Broccoli Pakora Recipe
An Irresistible North Indian Snack That’s Light, Crisp, and Full of Flavor
Pan Fried Broccoli Pakoras are a delightful twist on the classic Indian snack, combining the goodness of broccoli with the irresistible crunch of pakoras. Made without deep-frying, this guilt-free treat is bursting with flavors, thanks to the fennel seeds, chaat masala, and a delicate blend of spices. This healthy snack is perfect for tea time or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli, roughly chopped | 250 grams |
| Onion, thinly sliced | 1 large |
| Gram flour (besan) | 50 grams |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As required |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150-180 kcal |
| Protein | 4-5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
| Fat | 6-8 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sodium | Variable (depending on salt added) |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 3-4 people
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, thinly sliced onion, gram flour (besan), fennel seeds, chaat masala powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. -
Make the Pakora Batter:
Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, until it forms a thick batter that holds together. Be mindful to avoid a runny consistency – the batter should be able to hold its shape when spooned. Taste the mixture and adjust salt and spices if necessary. -
Preheat the Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan:
Heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan (or any non-stick pan with deep cavities) over medium heat. Once heated, add a few drops of oil into each cavity. This will help the pakoras crisp up as they cook. -
Pan-Fry the Pakoras:
Using a spoon, drop small portions of the broccoli mixture into the oil-filled cavities of the pan. Press them down gently to form small, flat fritters. Allow them to cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning them carefully with a spoon or fork to ensure they brown evenly and become crisp. Cook on low heat to prevent burning and to ensure a perfectly cooked texture. -
Drain Excess Oil:
Once the pakoras are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with oil-absorbing paper. This will help remove any excess oil, leaving your pakoras crispy and not greasy. -
Repeat the Process:
Continue the same process with the remaining pakora batter, ensuring to add oil to each cavity before adding more batter. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the pan-fried broccoli pakoras on a serving platter, and sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala on top for an added burst of flavor. You can also serve them alongside some pickled onions or a fresh green chutney for an extra zing. These pakoras pair wonderfully with a hot cup of Masala Chai or Adrak Chai, making them the perfect snack for your evening tea time or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Tips and Variations:
- Add a Twist: If you like your pakoras a bit spicier, feel free to add some finely chopped green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder to the batter.
- Chutney Pairings: Serve these crispy pakoras with a variety of chutneys such as mint-coriander chutney or tamarind chutney to elevate the flavors.
- Vegan Option: You can make this recipe vegan by simply using water instead of any dairy or by substituting a plant-based alternative in case you wish to avoid dairy.
This Pan Fried Broccoli Pakora Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy your vegetables in a flavorful, crunchy form, without compromising on health. Its simplicity, coupled with the mouthwatering combination of spices, makes it an irresistible treat. Enjoy these healthy snacks with your loved ones or serve them as a conversation-starting appetizer at your next dinner party.
