Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja Recipe (Pumpkin Flower Fritters)
Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja, also known as Pumpkin Flower Fritters, is a beloved snack from the Oriya cuisine, often relished in both Odisha and West Bengal. This delightful dish features the delicate flavors of pumpkin flowers, which are deep-fried in a flavorful, spiced batter, making it an irresistible treat for the taste buds. The fritters are typically served as an accompaniment to a comforting bowl of rice and Oriya Style Moong Dalma or enjoyed as a snack with Masala Chai during the evening.
The beauty of Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja lies in its simplicity and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The pumpkin flowers, traditionally harvested from male pumpkin plants, are tender and have a mild, slightly sweet taste. These flowers are then coated in a spiced batter made from soaked rice, garlic, green chilies, and a dash of turmeric, before being shallow-fried in mustard oil until crispy and golden brown.
Whether you enjoy it as part of a larger meal or as a standalone snack, this dish brings a delightful crunch and aromatic warmth to your palate.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin flowers | 12 pieces |
| Rice (soaked for 30-40 minutes) | 4 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Green Chilli | 2 |
| Chaat Masala Powder (optional) | 3 pinches |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 pinch |
| Mustard oil (for shallow frying) | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serving Size: 2-4 servings
Instructions
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Soak the Rice: Begin by soaking the rice for 30-40 minutes. This softens the rice and allows it to blend smoothly into a batter. Set aside once soaked.
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Prepare the Pumpkin Flowers: Gently remove the lower part (sepal) of each pumpkin flower, which contains a stalk, bottom, and a yellow stigma at the center. Be careful not to tear the petals. After removing the sepal, clean the flowers under running water to wash away any dirt or dust. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set the cleaned flowers aside.
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Make the Batter: In a blender, combine the soaked rice, garlic cloves, green chilies, dry red chili, cumin seeds, and a pinch of turmeric powder. Add a little water to help blend everything smoothly. The consistency of the batter should be medium, not too runny, but thick enough to coat the pumpkin flowers evenly. Add salt to taste and mix well.
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Heat the Oil: In a nonstick pan or tawa, heat mustard oil over medium flame. The oil should be hot enough for shallow frying, but not smoking.
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Dip the Flowers: Take each pumpkin flower, dip it into the prepared batter, and shake off any excess batter. Carefully place the battered flower onto the heated pan. Repeat this step for the rest of the flowers.
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Fry the Fritters: Cook the pumpkin flowers for about 2 minutes on one side, or until they turn crispy and golden brown. Flip them gently and cook the other side, drizzling a little more mustard oil if needed, to ensure they cook evenly and become crisp. Continue frying until both sides are perfectly golden and crisp.
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Serve: Once the fritters are fried to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve the Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja hot, either with a bowl of rice and Oriya Style Moong Dalma or sprinkled with a little chat masala for extra flavor. They also pair beautifully with a cup of Masala Chai in the evening.
Tips for the Best Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja:
- Use only male pumpkin flowers, as they are tender and ideal for frying.
- Soaking the rice properly ensures a smoother batter that sticks well to the pumpkin flowers.
- Mustard oil imparts a distinct flavor to the fritters, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil if you prefer a milder taste.
- For an added zing, sprinkle a little chat masala over the fritters just before serving.
- Serve the fritters hot and crispy for the best texture.
This Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja Recipe captures the essence of traditional Oriya flavors and makes for a wonderful addition to any meal or tea-time snack. Whether you’re craving something crunchy or looking to explore the rich heritage of Oriya cuisine, this simple yet flavorful dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
