Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja Recipe (Pumpkin Flower Fritters)
A Delightful Oriya Snack Made from Fresh Pumpkin Flowers, Crispy and Flavorful
Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja, or Pumpkin Flower Fritters, is a popular appetizer in the Oriya (Odia) cuisine of Eastern India. The dish involves a delicate process of dipping fresh pumpkin flowers in a seasoned rice batter and shallow frying them until golden and crispy. Known for their light yet crunchy texture, these fritters are perfect as an accompaniment to rice and dal or enjoyed as an evening snack with a cup of masala chai. The slightly tangy flavor of chaat masala adds an extra zing to this delightful dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Pumpkin Flowers | 12 flowers |
| Rice (soaked for at least 30-40 minutes) | 4 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 whole |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 cloves |
| Green Chilli | 2 whole |
| Chaat Masala Powder (optional) | 3 pinches |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 pinch |
| Mustard Oil (for shallow frying) | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Oriya (Odia)
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak Rice
Begin by soaking the rice in water for 30-40 minutes. This softens the rice, allowing it to blend easily into a smooth batter. -
-
Prepare the Pumpkin Flowers
While the rice soaks, take each pumpkin flower and carefully remove the lower part or sepal. This includes the stalk and stigma (a small, yellow, 0.5-1 inch part at the center). Discard the sepal and keep only the petals. Wash each flower gently under running water to remove any dirt or debris, then pat dry with a paper towel. Set the flowers aside for later use. -
Prepare the Batter
Once the rice has soaked, drain the water and transfer the rice to a blender. Add the garlic cloves, green chilies, dry red chili, cumin seeds, and a pinch of turmeric powder. Blend everything together until it forms a smooth batter with a medium consistency. The batter should not be too runny, but it should coat the flowers evenly. Add salt to taste and mix well. -
Heat Oil
Heat mustard oil in a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat. You need enough oil to shallow fry the pumpkin flowers, so the flowers can cook evenly and crisp up nicely. -
Coat the Flowers in Batter
Take each pumpkin flower and dip it into the batter. Gently shake off any excess batter and place the flower carefully into the heated pan. Repeat this step with the remaining flowers. -
Fry the Fritters
Fry the pumpkin flowers on one side for about 2 minutes, or until the underside turns crisp and golden brown. Once one side is cooked, flip the flowers carefully. Drizzle a little more oil around the edges of the flowers, and cook the other side until crispy and golden. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the fritters are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve your Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja (Pumpkin Flower Fritters) hot. They are a great accompaniment to rice and Oriya-style Moong Dalma, or you can serve them as a snack sprinkled with chaat masala. These fritters also pair wonderfully with a cup of masala chai, making them a perfect evening treat.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Flower Fritters:
- Use fresh flowers: The freshness of the pumpkin flowers significantly influences the flavor and texture of the fritters. Choose blooms that are tender and free from blemishes.
- Adjust the batter consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a small amount of water to reach the right consistency. It should coat the flowers without dripping.
- Oil temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If it’s too hot, the flowers will burn; if it’s too cold, they will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Chaat masala: This is optional but adds a lovely tangy flavor. You can sprinkle it just before serving or mix it into the batter for a more uniform taste.
Enjoy this crispy, flavorful, and unique dish as part of your meal, or indulge in it as a savory snack during tea time. Oriya Kakharu Phula Bhaja (Pumpkin Flower Fritters) offers a delicious glimpse into the heart of Oriya cuisine, celebrating the simplicity of pumpkin flowers and the richness of traditional spices.
