Crispy Paneer Pakora Recipe with Garlic Chutney
Craving a crispy, flavorful snack that combines the soft texture of paneer with the spicy kick of garlic chutney? This Crispy Paneer Pakora recipe is your perfect answer! A popular Indian snack, these golden, crunchy paneer fritters are sandwiched with a homemade garlic chutney, deep-fried to perfection, and served with a sprinkling of tangy chaat masala. Whether you’re hosting a cozy evening at home or treating yourself to a savory delight, this dish is sure to be a hit.
This recipe also features an easy-to-make garlic chutney, which is an aromatic blend of garlic, dry red chilies, and a touch of cumin, making it the perfect accompaniment to the crispy paneer. Paired with a steaming cup of Kesar Chai and some Green Chutney, it’s a snack that promises to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients for Crispy Paneer Pakora:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 400 grams (200 grams for filling) |
| Garlic (peeled) | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Red Chilies | 8-10 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Rice Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water (for batter) | As required |
| Chaat Masala Powder | For garnish |
| Oil (for deep frying) | As needed |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Crispy Paneer Pakora with Garlic Chutney:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Chutney
- Start by preparing the garlic chutney. In a mixer grinder, combine the peeled garlic cloves, dry red chilies, cumin seeds, lemon juice, and salt.
- Blend everything together to form a smooth and aromatic chutney. Set this aside for later use.
Step 2: Make the Paneer Pakora Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, add the gram flour (besan), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, enos fruit salt, and salt.
- Gradually mix in just enough water to form a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon. The consistency should be thick but pourable, ensuring the pakoras hold their shape when dipped. Set the batter aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Paneer
- Slice the paneer into two equal halves horizontally to form two large flat pieces.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared garlic chutney on both the pieces of paneer, then place them together to form a “paneer sandwich.”
- Cut the paneer sandwich into 2-inch slices, making individual pieces ready for frying.
Step 4: Deep Fry the Paneer Pakoras
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan (kadai) on medium-high heat. Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the pakoras.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully dip each piece of garlic chutney-filled paneer into the gram flour batter, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
- Gently slide the battered paneer pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the paneer pakoras for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the pakoras from the oil and drain them on an oil-absorbent paper towel to remove any excess oil.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- While the pakoras are still hot, sprinkle a little chaat masala powder over them to add extra flavor.
- Serve these crispy paneer pakoras immediately, accompanied by green chutney and a warm cup of Kesar Chai.
Pro Tip:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of black salt or chatpati masala on top of the pakoras right before serving for an authentic Indian taste!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 grams |
| Fat | ~15 grams |
| Fiber | ~2 grams |
| Sodium | ~250 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~25 mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Golden, Crunchy Perfection: These paneer pakoras come out perfectly crisp, thanks to the combination of gram flour and rice flour. The texture contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy paneer inside.
- Flavorful Garlic Chutney: The garlic chutney adds an irresistible spicy and tangy flavor, complementing the rich taste of paneer.
- Quick & Easy: With only 25 minutes of total time, this recipe is perfect for a quick snack or when you’re entertaining guests.
- Versatile Snack: Serve it with a hot cup of Kesar Chai (Saffron Tea) or Green Chutney to elevate your snacking experience. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any evening.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with Chai: Enjoy these crispy pakoras with a cup of warm Kesar Chai for a comforting, satisfying snack.
- With Dips: Serve with a variety of chutneys like mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a spicy green chutney for extra zing.
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for any Indian-themed dinner or party, these crispy pakoras can also be served as an appetizer before a rich meal.
Conclusion:
Crispy Paneer Pakoras with Garlic Chutney are a delightful and satisfying snack that blends the flavors of rich paneer and spicy garlic chutney, all wrapped in a crunchy golden batter. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an evening treat, or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to make your taste buds sing. Serve it alongside Kesar Chai and Green Chutney for the ultimate Indian snack experience!
