Pakoras

Did you know pakoras are the go-to rain snack in Pakistan? Whenever it rained back home in Pakistan, my mom would diligently make some fresh pakoras and chai for the family! To be honest sometimes it would be hard to smell the rain, because just like our house, the whole neighborhood was indulging in some pakora making for their own families!

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon of chat masala (my mom's secret ingredient!)

• Salt to taste

• Water (as needed)

• Vegetables (e.g., potatoes, onions, spinach, cauliflower, egg plant, hatch chillies). Honestly any vegetables you have in your fridge!

• Oil for deep frying or air fry for a healthier option!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, baking soda, chat masala and salt. Gradually add water to make a smooth batter that can coat the back of a spoon.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the vegetables into thin bite-sized pieces.

3. Coat the Ingredients: Add the cut vegetables to the batter and mix well until they are evenly coated.

4. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for deep frying over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

5. Fry the Pakoras: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter-coated vegetables into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.

6. Drain and Serve: Remove the pakoras with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with mint and cilantro or tamarind and dates chutney.

Tips

• Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

• For added flavor, you can include chopped green chilies, ginger, or garlic in the batter.

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy pakoras.

Enjoy your homemade pakoras as a snack or appetizer, especially during rainy weather!