Dalia Pakora Recipe – A Crunchy and Flavorful Snack of Broken Wheat
Dalia Pakora, an innovative twist on the traditional pakora, is made from broken wheat (also known as dalia or godumai rava) and is perfect for those who enjoy a healthy, crunchy snack. The broken wheat is cooked to a soft texture, then mixed with gram flour (besan), chopped onions, fresh coriander, and spices like cumin (jeera), ajwain (carom seeds), and green chili to create a delightful batter. This batter is then fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft and flavorful inside.
A great choice for vegetarians, these Dalia Pakoras make an excellent tea-time snack or can even serve as a light appetizer for family gatherings. Paired with tangy chutneys and hot chai, these pakoras are sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broken Wheat (Dalia/ Godumai Rava) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon (for batter) |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/3 cup |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Water | As required (for batter) |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | For frying |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4–5
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Broken Wheat (Dalia)
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Wash the Broken Wheat: Start by thoroughly washing the broken wheat under running water to remove any impurities.
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Cook in Pressure Cooker: In a pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the washed broken wheat to the cooker. Close the lid and cook on medium flame for 4–5 whistles.
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Check and Dry: Once the pressure is released naturally, open the cooker and check if the broken wheat is soft and fully cooked. If any water remains, place the cooker back on heat and stir until most of the water evaporates. Once done, transfer the cooked broken wheat to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool down.
Step 2: Prepare the Pakora Batter
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Mix the Ingredients: Once the cooked broken wheat has cooled, add gram flour (besan), finely chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, green chili, turmeric powder, cumin seeds (jeera), ajwain (carom seeds), and salt to the mixing bowl.
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Add Water: Gradually add just enough water to bring everything together into a thick batter. Ensure the consistency is firm and not runny—this will help the pakoras hold shape while frying.
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Add Enos Fruit Salt: For extra fluffiness, add 1 teaspoon of Enos Fruit Salt to the batter. Stir gently to incorporate the salt evenly.
Step 3: Fry the Pakoras
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Heat the Paniyaram Pan: Heat a paniyaram pan (also known as an appe pan) on medium flame. Add a few drops of oil in each cavity to prevent sticking and ensure a crisp texture.
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Cook the Pakoras: Once the oil is hot, drop tablespoonfuls of the prepared batter into each cavity. Let the pakoras cook for about 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip them carefully to cook the other side. Ensure the pakoras are golden brown and crispy on the outside while the inside remains soft and well-cooked.
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Alternative Method – Deep Frying: If you don’t have a paniyaram pan, you can also deep fry the pakoras in a kadai (wok) filled with hot oil. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the pakoras cook through completely.
Step 4: Serve
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Drain the Pakoras: Once fried to perfection, remove the pakoras from the pan and place them on absorbent paper to drain any excess oil.
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Serve Hot: Serve these crispy Dalia Pakoras hot with a side of green chutney, date tamarind chutney, and a steaming cup of adrak chai (ginger tea) for an authentic tea-time experience.
Pro Tips:
- For extra crunch: You can add a little rice flour or semolina (sooji) to the batter to enhance the crunchiness of the pakoras.
- For spicy kick: If you enjoy more heat, you can add a couple of finely chopped green chilies to the batter or sprinkle some red chili powder on top before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: These pakoras can also be enjoyed with a tangy yogurt dip or sweet mango chutney for an added flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugars | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the method of frying and portion size.
Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of Dalia Pakora as part of your next snack or appetizer spread! With its wholesome ingredients, delightful crunch, and savory flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests or become a comforting snack for yourself.
