Pan Fried Broccoli Pakora Recipe
Craving a crunchy, savory snack with a burst of flavor? These Pan Fried Broccoli Pakoras are the perfect choice for a delicious, vegetarian snack or appetizer. Combining the freshness of broccoli, the richness of gram flour, and the aromatic spices of fennel and chaat masala, these pakoras are sure to impress. Lightly crisped in a pan with just a touch of oil, they offer a guilt-free indulgence. Ready in just 35 minutes, these pakoras are ideal for an evening snack, a party appetizer, or as a fun addition to a North Indian meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli (roughly chopped) | 250 grams |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 medium |
| Gram flour (besan) | 50 grams |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | As required for frying |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation methods.
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 35 minutes
Servings:
- 4
Cuisine:
- North Indian
Course:
- Snack/Appetizer
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pakora Batter:
- Start by combining the chopped broccoli, thinly sliced onion, gram flour (besan), fennel seeds, chaat masala powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, little by little, stirring to form a thick batter. You want it to hold together well but not be too runny. Taste and adjust the salt and spices to your liking.
-
Heat the Pan:
- Preheat a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan (or a non-stick pan) on medium heat. Add a few drops of sunflower oil into each cavity to ensure the pakoras cook evenly and develop a crisp texture.
-
Fry the Pakoras:
- Spoon the pakora batter into each cavity of the pan. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the pakoras for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip them over to cook the other side until golden brown and crisp. Be sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning the pakoras before they cook through.
-
Absorb Excess Oil:
- Once the pakoras are done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
-
Serve:
- Arrange the crispy, golden pakoras on a serving platter. Sprinkle with a little extra chaat masala for added flavor and a tangy finish.
- Pair with pickled onions on the side for a zesty touch.
-
Enjoy:
- Serve your Pan Fried Broccoli Pakoras as a snack or appetizer, ideally paired with a side of Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (coriander-mint chutney) and a steaming cup of Masala Chai or Adrak Chai (ginger tea).
Tips:
- For a healthier version: You can reduce the amount of oil used by opting for a non-stick or cast iron pan and adding less oil. Alternatively, you can bake the pakoras in the oven for a lower-fat option.
- Customize the spice mix: Feel free to adjust the level of chaat masala, or even add a pinch of garam masala or red chili powder if you like more heat.
- Additions: For extra crunch, you can throw in some chopped fresh coriander leaves or a few green chilies for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions:
These Pan Fried Broccoli Pakoras make a wonderful snack on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of chutneys. Try them with Tamarind Chutney, Mint Yogurt Dip, or even Spicy Tomato Salsa. They are perfect for an afternoon snack, a party spread, or as part of a light meal. Don’t forget to serve with a hot cup of Masala Chai to complete the experience!
Enjoy the crispy goodness of these pakoras, and delight in the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors.
