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The cold winter months call for comfort food, and nothing fits the bill better than pakodas. These crispy fritters are a favourite across Indian households, loved for their versatility and ease of preparation. Made with simple ingredients like gram flour (besan), spices, and various fillings, pakodas are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
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While each region of India boasts its unique take on this classic snack, some pakodas stand out for their universal appeal. Whether it’s the crunch and spice of Mirchi Pakodas, or the hearty texture of Moong Dal Pakodas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here, this guide bring you seven pakoda recipes that are not only easy to make but also ideal for warming up on a chilly day.
Moong Dal Pakoda
Moong Dal Pakodas are protein-packed fritters that are light yet incredibly satisfying. To prepare, soaked moong dal is ground into a coarse paste and seasoned with spices like cumin, green chillies, and coriander. The mixture is then shaped into small balls or patties and deep-fried to golden perfection. These pakodas are best enjoyed hot with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce. Moong Dal Pakodas are not just tasty but also a healthy choice, offering a dose of protein and fibre.
Mirchi Pakoda
If you love spicy snacks, Mirchi Pakodas are a must-try. Large green chillies are stuffed with a flavourful filling, usually made of mashed potatoes and spices, then dipped in a gram flour batter and deep-fried. These pakodas are crisp on the outside and bursting with spicy, tangy flavours on the inside. Served with ketchup or green chutney, they make an irresistible treat, especially on a cold winter evening.
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Paneer Pakoda
Paneer Pakodas are a hit among cheese lovers. Cubes of soft paneer are coated in a seasoned gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, creamy interior makes these pakodas a delightful snack. Adding spices like red chilli powder, garam masala, and chaat masala to the batter enhances the flavour. Serve them with a dollop of mint chutney for an extra burst of freshness.
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Palak Pakoda
Palak Pakodas bring a healthy twist to the traditional pakoda. Fresh spinach leaves are coated in gram flour batter and fried until crisp. The slight bitterness of spinach contrasts beautifully with the spicy batter, creating a snack that’s both nutritious and tasty. These pakodas are a great way to incorporate greens into your diet, especially for kids who might otherwise avoid spinach.
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Bathua Pakoda
Bathua Pakodas are a lesser-known winter delicacy, prepared using bathua leaves (Chenopodium). These leaves, abundant in winter, have a unique earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spicy gram flour batter. Rich in iron and calcium, Bathua Pakodas are both tasty and nutritious. Serve them with garlic chutney for a burst of flavor. This pakoda variety is particularly popular in northern India during the winter months.
Gajar-Matar Pakoda
Gajar-Matar Pakodas combine the sweetness of carrots and the subtle flavor of green peas to create a colorful, vibrant snack. The vegetables are finely chopped or mashed and mixed with gram flour, spices, and a dash of ginger. These pakodas are light, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness of carrots and the freshness of peas make them a perfect pair for your evening chai.
Chukundar Pakoda
Chukundar (beetroot) Pakodas are an eye-catching and nutritious winter snack. Grated beetroot is mixed with gram flour, spices, and fresh coriander to create a batter. The mixture is shaped into small fritters and deep-fried until crispy. The slightly sweet and earthy flavour of beetroot, combined with the spicy batter, makes these pakodas unique and delicious. Pair them with a yoghurt dip to balance the flavours.
