Broccoli Pakora Masala Recipe – Broccoli in Spicy Yogurt Gravy
Broccoli Pakora Masala is a vibrant and delicious North Indian dish, ideal for a quick weekday lunch or dinner. This recipe features crispy broccoli pakoras coated in a rich, flavorful yogurt-based gravy. Packed with the goodness of broccoli, aromatic spices, and a perfect blend of textures, it makes for an irresistible side dish or even a satisfying meal on its own. Whether you choose to bake or fry the pakoras, this dish guarantees to impress your family and guests alike. Itβs vegetarian, healthy, and comes together in just about 30 minutesβperfect for those busy days when you crave something both comforting and nourishing.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Pakoras:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 cup |
| Rice flour | 1 tbsp |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tbsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Water | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Yogurt Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt), beaten | 1 cup |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 tbsp |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Pakoras
-
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (204Β°C). Lightly spray a non-stick cooking spray over a baking tray and set it aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, thinly sliced onion, 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 thoroughly until you have a thick, sticky batter-like consistency.
-
Take small spoonfuls of the mixture and gently shape them into small rounds using wet hands. Arrange them on the prepared baking tray.
-
Bake the pakoras in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are light golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Alternate Frying Method: If you prefer to fry the pakoras, heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, drop the pakora mixture into the oil, frying in batches. Fry them until golden and crispy. Place the fried pakoras on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt Gravy
- In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Let them cook for about 15-20 seconds until they begin to splutter.
- Lower the heat and add 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan). Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the besan for 2-3 minutes until it turns light golden brown and emits a fragrant aroma.
- Gradually add the beaten yogurt to the pan along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook on low heat for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the yogurt and spices to meld together.
- If the gravy appears too thick, add water little by little until the desired consistency is reached. Stir continuously.
Step 3: Combine Pakoras and Gravy
- Gently drop the baked or fried pakoras into the yogurt gravy and allow them to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the pakoras absorb the rich flavors of the gravy and become soft, while still maintaining a slight crunch.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the Broccoli Pakora Masala hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves, alongside a bowl of Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, Jeera Rice, and warm Phulka (Indian flatbread) for a wholesome meal. The combination of crunchy pakoras in the creamy, spicy yogurt gravy is sure to satisfy your taste buds and make your meal a delightful experience.
Tips for Best Results
- Texture: For extra crispness, you can lightly fry the pakoras instead of baking them. However, baking is a healthier alternative that still delivers great results.
- Yogurt Gravy: Ensure the yogurt is well-beaten to prevent curdling while cooking. Use fresh yogurt for a smoother gravy.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute yogurt with non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream, and replace ghee/oil with a vegan alternative.
Enjoy the warm, comforting Broccoli Pakora Masala as a fulfilling lunch or dinner. This dish, with its aromatic spices and delightful textures, is perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. Itβs simple to make yet filled with flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more!
