Pakodi Koora Recipe
Overview:
Pakodi Koora is a delightful, flavorful Indian dish that combines crispy pakodas (fritters) made from vegetables like brinjal (eggplant), cauliflower, and potato, cooked in a savory semi-dry curry sauce. The dish is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, offering crunchy bites enveloped in a rich, aromatic gravy. Traditionally enjoyed with hot steamed rice and crispy papadums, Pakodi Koora is an ideal dinner choice for vegetarians, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant) – cut into 2 cm cubes | 1/3 cup |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) – cut into small florets | 1/3 cup |
| Potato (Aloo) – cut into 2 cm cubes | 1/3 cup |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1/2 |
| Onion – sliced | 1/2 |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 2+2 tablespoons |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) – skinned | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1+1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Curry leaves | Few |
| Green Chillies – slit | 3 |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Rice flour | 1 to 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander leaves – chopped | Few sprigs |
| Salt | As required |
| Sunflower oil | As needed for frying |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by heating oil in a kadai or wok for frying. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the brinjal (eggplant), cauliflower, potato, finely chopped onion, gram flour (besan), rice flour, chopped curry leaves, coriander leaves, coriander seeds, sesame seeds, red chilli powder, and salt. Add water little by little to form a thick batter that should hold its shape when dropped into the oil. -
Fry the Pakodas (Fritters):
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil to form small fritters (pakodas). Fry them until golden brown and crispy, ensuring they cook evenly. Remove and drain the pakodas on paper towels to absorb excess oil. -
Make the Sesame-Peanut Paste:
In a pan, add sesame seeds and peanuts and roast them lightly until fragrant (do not brown). Transfer the roasted sesame and peanuts to a mixer jar, adding enough water to blend them into a smooth paste. Set aside. -
Prepare the Gravy:
In a wide pan, heat a little oil and add the remaining curry leaves, sliced onions, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions begin to brown. Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for another minute until aromatic. -
Combine the Paste and Spices:
Lower the heat and add the sesame-peanut paste to the pan. Mix it thoroughly, as it may stick to the bottom of the pan. Add approximately 3/4 cup of water and stir well to combine. Then, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir the mixture to coat the paste with the spices and allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes. -
Add the Pakodas:
Add the fried pakodas to the gravy and mix gently to coat them with the flavorful sauce. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the pakodas to absorb the spices and flavors. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the dish has thickened into a semi-dry gravy, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot. Pakodi Koora pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and crispy South Indian-style papadums for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Pakodi Koora is a versatile dish that goes exceptionally well with plain steamed rice or any variety of flatbread like naan or roti. For an added South Indian touch, serve it with crispy papadums on the side to balance the rich flavors of the curry.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~400mg |
| Sugars | ~5g |
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Options: You can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, pumpkin, or even okra in place of the brinjal, cauliflower, or potatoes, according to availability.
- Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan, but ensure to use plant-based oil for frying and the gravy preparation.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder based on your preferred spice level.
- Crunchy Pakodas: For extra crunchy pakodas, you can increase the amount of rice flour in the batter.
Pakodi Koora is not only a delicious comfort food but also a treat for those who enjoy the aromatic and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends, and delight in the perfect combination of crispy pakoras and savory gravy!
