Vegetable pakora is a beloved snack in Bangladeshi cuisine, offering a perfect blend of crispy texture and vibrant flavors. These deep-fried fritters are made from a medley of fresh vegetables coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re enjoying them during a rainy afternoon tea or serving them as appetizers at gatherings, vegetable pakoras bring warmth and comfort to the table.
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Bangladeshi street food while being simple enough for home cooks of all levels. The balance of aromatic spices, crunchy vegetables, and the golden, crunchy exterior will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Plus, they’re naturally vegetarian, and with a few tweaks, you can make them vegan-friendly too. Ready to dive into this crispy delight?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bangladeshi vegetable pakora stands out because of its rich spice profile and versatility. Unlike other fried snacks, pakoras showcase a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices that create a burst of flavor in every bite.
They’re naturally gluten-free when using chickpea flour, which makes them suitable for many dietary preferences.
This recipe is incredibly adaptable; you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce waste and enjoy seasonal produce. Additionally, pakoras are perfect for parties, tea times, or as a comforting snack on a chilly evening.
Their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make them utterly addictive.
For those interested in exploring more vegetable-centric recipes, you might also enjoy our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chickpea flour (besan) | 1 cup |
Potato, peeled and grated | 1 medium |
Cauliflower florets, finely chopped | 1 cup |
Spinach leaves, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
Onion, thinly sliced | 1 small |
Green chili, finely chopped (optional) | 1 |
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Ginger paste | 1 tsp |
Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
Baking soda | 1/4 tsp |
Salt | to taste |
Water (as needed to make batter) | about 1/3 cup |
Vegetable oil (for deep frying) | as needed |
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grater (for potato)
- Knife and chopping board
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely chop the cauliflower, spinach, onion, and green chili. Peel and grate the potato. Chop the coriander leaves. Keep all vegetables ready in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In the mixing bowl, add chickpea flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
- Add the wet ingredients and vegetables: Add the grated potato, chopped cauliflower, spinach, onion, green chili, coriander leaves, and ginger paste to the dry mix.
- Make the batter: Gradually add water, about a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with your hand or a spoon. The batter should be thick enough to hold the vegetables together but not too runny. Aim for a consistency that allows you to drop spoonfuls into hot oil without them spreading too thin.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil on medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- Fry the pakoras: Using a spoon, carefully drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pakoras are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove pakoras from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot: Serve the vegetable pakoras immediately with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter. It helps create a delightful crunch without changing the flavor.
Variation: Feel free to experiment with vegetables like grated carrots, bell peppers, or even shredded cabbage to create your own pakora mix. For a vegan twist, avoid adding any dairy-based dips and stick to tangy tamarind or mint chutneys.
Tip: If you want to reduce oil absorption, keep the oil temperature steady. Too cool, and pakoras will absorb more oil; too hot, and they may burn outside while remaining uncooked inside.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 3 pakoras) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 250 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and frying oil used.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable pakoras are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them with traditional Bangladeshi accompaniments like tamarind chutney or mint-coriander chutney for a burst of freshness and tang.
You can also pair them with a simple yogurt dip or a spicy tomato sauce to complement the flavors.
For a wholesome snack platter, combine pakoras with samosas and slow cooker vegetable recipes to keep your guests happy and satisfied. They also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of masala chai, making them perfect for rainy days or festive celebrations.
Conclusion
Bangladeshi vegetable pakoras are a delightful snack that brings together aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a satisfyingly crispy texture. This recipe offers an authentic taste of Bangladesh while being easy enough to prepare in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re introducing a new snack to your family or entertaining guests, these pakoras are sure to impress.
By using simple, wholesome ingredients and following straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Don’t hesitate to customize the vegetable mix or spice level to suit your preferences.
For more vegetable-focused recipes that celebrate vibrant flavors, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Bangladeshi Food Recipe Vegetable Pakora
Description: A popular Bangladeshi snack made by deep-frying vegetables coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for tea time or snacks.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 medium potato, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, salt, and baking soda.
- Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
- Add sliced potato, onion, carrot, and green chili to the batter and mix well.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter mixture into hot oil carefully.
- Fry pakoras until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 22 g
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