Crispy Paneer Pakora with Garlic Chutney: A Spicy Delightful Snack
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Crispy Paneer Pakora with Garlic Chutney, a savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft, fresh paneer cubes are enveloped in a spicy garlic chutney, coated with a seasoned gram flour batter, and deep-fried to a golden crisp perfection. This vegetarian delight promises a tantalizing burst of flavors, making it an ideal snack to enjoy with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Chutney:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic (peeled) | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Red Chillies | 8-10 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Pakora Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
For the Paneer Pakora:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 400 grams |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 kcal |
| Protein | Approx. 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 18 grams |
| Fat | Approx. 6 grams |
| Fiber | Approx. 2 grams |
| Sodium | Approx. 300 mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Chutney:
- Begin by making the garlic chutney. Add peeled garlic, dry red chillies, cumin seeds, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt to taste into a mixer grinder. Blend everything together until smooth, adding a little water to reach the desired consistency. Set this chutney aside for later use.
2. Prepare the Pakora Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour (besan), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida (hing), and Enos Fruit Salt.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that can coat the paneer cubes without dripping off.
3. Prepare the Paneer:
- Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. Ensure the paneer is fresh and soft for the best results.
4. Coat the Paneer:
- Take each cube of paneer and dip it into the garlic chutney. Make sure each cube is well-coated.
- Next, dip the chutney-covered paneer into the prepared pakora batter, ensuring it is evenly coated with the batter.
5. Fry the Pakoras:
- Heat enough oil in a deep pan or frying vessel to submerge the paneer pakoras. Once the oil is hot (check by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready), gently drop the battered paneer cubes into the hot oil.
- Fry the pakoras in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove the pakoras from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Crispy Paneer Pakora hot, accompanied by the freshly prepared garlic chutney. This delightful snack pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of masala chai or your favorite beverage.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Pakora:
- Ensure that the paneer is fresh and soft for the best texture and flavor.
- You can adjust the spice levels of the garlic chutney by adding more or fewer red chillies according to your taste preference.
- To make the pakoras even crispier, you can add a pinch of rice flour to the batter.
- If you prefer a lighter version, try shallow frying the pakoras instead of deep frying.
Conclusion
Crispy Paneer Pakora with Garlic Chutney is a mouthwatering snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, spicy flavor and crispy texture, it’s a dish that’s bound to be loved by all. Whether it’s a rainy day or a casual get-together, this delightful recipe will bring joy to your table. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the magic of this traditional Indian snack!
