Kaju Pakoda Recipe (Cashew Nut Fritters)
Kaju Pakoda, also known as Cashew Nut Fritters, is a delectable Indian snack that combines the rich, buttery texture of cashews with a crisp, flavorful coating. Perfect for tea-time or as an appetizer at your next gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress. The cashews are coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried to a golden, crunchy perfection. With a hint of mint and the aromatic taste of fennel, Kaju Pakoda makes for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cashew nuts (whole) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Rice flour | 1/2 cup |
| Red chili powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon (crushed) |
| Sunflower oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Finely chop the mint leaves and set them aside. Measure out the spices, gram flour, and rice flour into a large mixing bowl. -
-
Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan, heat enough sunflower oil to submerge the pakodas. The oil should be hot enough to fry the fritters until golden brown, but not smoking. -
Make the Flour Mixture:
In the mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), rice flour, and red chili powder. Stir them together until evenly mixed. -
Add the Flavorings:
Add the ginger garlic paste, crushed fennel seeds, and salt to the dry flour mixture. Mix them well so the spices are evenly distributed. -
Incorporate the Mint:
Stir in the finely chopped mint leaves. This will give the pakodas a fresh, aromatic flavor. -
Coat the Cashews:
Add the whole cashew nuts to the mixture and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the flour mixture. -
Add Hot Oil and Water:
Once the oil is heating up, pour 1 tablespoon of hot oil from the frying pan into the flour mixture. Stir to combine. Slowly add water, a little at a time, mixing continuously, until the dough forms. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but not dry. -
Shape the Pakodas:
Pinch out small portions of the dough, ensuring each portion has a cashew or two. Drop these portions carefully into the hot oil. Fry the pakodas in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. -
Fry to Golden Perfection:
Fry the pakodas until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pakodas from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Kaju Pakodas hot and crispy, accompanied by a cup of masala chai or your favorite beverage. These pakodas are perfect for tea time, as a snack for the kids, or as an appetizer at any gathering.
Tips for the Perfect Kaju Pakoda:
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough to ensure a crispy exterior. If the oil is too cold, the pakodas will absorb more oil and become soggy.
- Customize Spices: Feel free to adjust the red chili powder based on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of garam masala or chat masala for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cashew fritters with a variety of chutneys like mint chutney or tamarind chutney for added flavor.
Kaju Pakoda is a great way to enjoy cashews in a new and exciting form. This snack is not only delicious but also packs a punch of flavor with the combination of mint, fennel, and spices. Perfect for a cozy evening or a festive gathering, these crispy fritters will disappear in no time!
