Dalia Pakora Recipe – Broken Wheat Pakora
Dalia Pakora (also known as Broken Wheat Pakora) is a delightful Indian snack made from broken wheat (dalia) and seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. These crispy fritters are both nutritious and delicious, perfect for serving with a steaming cup of tea or as an appetizer at any gathering. The combination of broken wheat and chickpea flour (besan) makes this snack not only satisfying but also healthy. The pakoras can be cooked in a paniyaram pan or deep-fried for a more indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broken Wheat (Dalia/ Godumai Rava) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil (for cooking) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/3 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup (finely chopped) |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) | As required |
| Water | As needed to make a thick batter |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Broken Wheat (Dalia)
- Start by washing the broken wheat thoroughly and set it aside.
- In a pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of cooking oil. Add the washed broken wheat to the cooker and mix well.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat.
- Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the flame and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- After releasing the pressure, open the cooker to check if the broken wheat has cooked properly and that there’s no excess water. If there’s any leftover water, cook the wheat on medium heat while stirring until most of the water evaporates.
- Transfer the cooked broken wheat into a mixing bowl and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Pakora Batter
- Once the broken wheat has cooled, add the following ingredients to the mixing bowl:
- Gram flour (besan)
- Finely chopped onion
- Finely chopped coriander leaves
- Finely chopped green chili
- Salt (to taste)
- Turmeric powder
- Cumin seeds
- Ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1/2 teaspoon sunflower oil
- Gradually add water to form a thick batter. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape, so add just enough water to bind the ingredients together.
- Once the batter is ready, give it a good mix to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Fry the Dalia Pakoras
- Heat a paniyaram pan or a shallow frying pan on medium flame.
- Add a few drops of sunflower oil to each cavity of the paniyaram pan (or use enough oil to shallow fry the pakoras in a regular pan).
- Once the oil is hot, quickly add 1 teaspoon of Enos fruit salt to the pakora batter and mix it in thoroughly.
- Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of the batter into each cavity of the paniyaram pan.
- Cook the pakoras on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring that they are golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and cooked through on the inside.
- If you prefer, you can also deep fry the pakoras in a kadai (wok) instead of using the paniyaram pan for a crispier result.
Step 4: Serve the Dalia Pakoras
- Once the pakoras are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and drain them on an absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
- Serve the hot Dalia Pakoras immediately as a snack with green chutney, date tamarind chutney, or your favorite dip.
- Pair them with a hot cup of adrak chai (ginger tea) for a truly satisfying tea-time treat.
Additional Tips:
- Water Adjustments: If the batter is too runny, you can add a bit more gram flour to thicken it. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a little more water.
- Oil for Frying: For a healthier alternative, you can cook the pakoras in a paniyaram pan with just a few drops of oil instead of deep frying.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer green chilies. You can also add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Enjoy these Dalia Pakoras as a perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and nutrition, making them a great addition to your snack repertoire. Whether you’re craving something savory for tea-time or looking for a healthy yet indulgent treat, these pakoras will not disappoint!
