Broccoli Pakora Masala Recipe – Broccoli in Spicy Yogurt Gravy
This Broccoli Pakora Masala is a delightful dish featuring crispy broccoli pakoras served in a creamy, spicy yogurt gravy. With its rich and aromatic flavors, it’s a wonderful North Indian vegetarian meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or with sides such as Jeera Rice and Phulka. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its unique blend of spices and textures.
Ingredients:
For the Pakoras (Fried or Baked Broccoli Fritters):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 cup |
| Rice flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Yogurt Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt – beaten) | 1 cup |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Pakoras:
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly spray a baking tray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
-
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, sliced onions, rice flour, gram flour (besan), baking soda, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Add 3 tablespoons of water and mix everything together to form a thick batter.
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Using wet hands, take about 1 teaspoon of the mixture and shape it into a round fritter. Place each shaped pakora on the prepared baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
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Bake the pakoras in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are light brown and crisp.
Alternative Frying Method: If you prefer fried pakoras, heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the pakoras into the oil one by one. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Yogurt Gravy:
- In a wide pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them cook for 15 to 20 seconds until they begin to crackle and release their aroma.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the pan and cook for another 10 seconds.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan). Stir the mixture continuously on low heat for about 2-3 minutes until it turns aromatic and light golden.
- Add the beaten yogurt to the pan, followed by turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir the mixture well and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the yogurt to blend with the spices and thicken slightly.
- Add 3/4 cup of water to achieve your desired consistency for the gravy. Adjust the salt to taste, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Combine Pakoras and Gravy:
- Gently add the prepared broccoli pakoras into the yogurt gravy. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the pakoras to soak up some of the flavorful gravy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Broccoli Pakora Masala hot with sides like Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, Jeera Rice, and Phulka for a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy, spiced yogurt gravy complements the crispy pakoras perfectly, creating a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
This Broccoli Pakora Masala is a wonderful vegetarian option, packed with flavors and easy to prepare. The combination of crispy pakoras in a rich, spiced yogurt gravy offers a mouthwatering experience that will delight everyone at the table. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish brings together the essence of North Indian cuisine with an easy twist on a classic favorite.
