Paneer pakora is a popular Indian snack that’s loved for its crispy outside and soft, cheesy inside. Perfect for any occasion, these tasty bites are made by coating paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying it to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving or impress guests, paneer pakoras are an easy and flavorful choice. In this post, you’ll learn how to make this delicious snack at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
What is Paneer Pakora?
Paneer Pakora is a deep-fried snack made from paneer, which is a type of Indian cottage cheese. The paneer cubes are coated in a spiced gram flour batter and then fried until golden and crispy. The result is a delectable combination of textures and flavors, with the paneer remaining soft and creamy inside the crunchy coating. These pakoras are often served with chutneys, such as mint or tamarind, adding an extra layer of flavor.
What Does Paneer Pakora Taste Like?
Paneer pakoras have a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The exterior is crispy and slightly spiced, while the inside is soft and creamy. The spices in the batter add a mild heat and earthiness, balanced by the richness of the paneer. When paired with chutney, the tangy and spicy notes enhance the overall taste, making it an irresistible snack.
Ingredients for Paneer Pakora Recipe
Before we dive into the step-by-step paneer pakora recipe, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need:
- Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese): 200 grams, cut into cubes.
- Gram Flour (Besan): 1 cup.
- Carom Seeds (Ajwain): 1/2 teaspoon.
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon.
- Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Chaat Masala: 1/2 teaspoon (for sprinkling on top).
- Salt: To taste.
- Water: As needed to make the batter.
- Oil: For deep frying.
Total Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on how many batches you fry)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings:
With 200 grams of paneer and the rest of the ingredients, you can typically make about 4 servings of Paneer Pakora.
How to Make Paneer Pakora at Home: Step-by-Step Recipe
Making paneer pakora at home is easy, and once you learn how, you’ll be able to make it quickly and often.
Step 1: Prepare the Paneer
Start by cutting the paneer into bite-sized cubes. If you’re using store-bought paneer, it’s often a good idea to soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it before use. Once done, drain the water and pat the paneer dry with a kitchen towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, add the gram flour, carom seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Gradually add water, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until you have a thick, smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the paneer cubes evenly but not so thick that it becomes pasty.
Step 3: Coat the Paneer
Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. You can use a fork or your fingers to do this. Make sure the paneer is fully covered with the batter for a perfect, crispy coating.
Step 4: Fry the Pakoras
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the batter-coated paneer cubes into the hot oil, frying a few pieces at a time. Fry the pakoras until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the pakoras are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle a little chaat masala on top for added flavor.
Serve the hot pakoras with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup, and enjoy!
How to Make Paneer Pakora Crispy
Achieving the perfect crispy texture is key to a great paneer pakora. Here are some expert tips to ensure your pakoras turn out crispy every time:
- Consistency of the Batter: The batter should be thick enough to coat the paneer well. A runny batter will not stick properly, resulting in a less crispy pakora.
- Right Temperature of Oil: The oil should be hot enough when you start frying. If the oil is too cold, the pakoras will absorb more oil and become soggy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pakoras in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, making the pakoras less crispy.
Variations
While the classic paneer pakora recipe is always a hit, there are several variations you can try to keep things interesting:
- Paneer Bread Pakora: This variation involves sandwiching a paneer slice between two pieces of bread, dipping the sandwich in batter, and then frying it. It’s a heartier version that’s often enjoyed as a breakfast dish.
- Stuffed Paneer Pakora: For a gourmet twist, you can stuff the paneer cubes with a mixture of mint chutney or spiced mashed potatoes before dipping them in the batter and frying.
- Air Fryer Paneer Pakora: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make these pakoras in an air fryer. Simply place the batter-coated paneer in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
How to Make Paneer Pakora in an Air Fryer
For those looking to reduce their oil intake, here’s a quick guide on how to make paneer pakora in an air fryer:
- Prepare the Batter and Paneer: Follow the same steps as in the traditional recipe to prepare the batter and coat the paneer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Paneer Pakoras: Place the batter-coated paneer cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can spray a little oil on top to help them crisp up better.
- Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the pakoras from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite chutney.
Nutrition Value
Paneer pakoras are not just delicious; they also pack some nutritional benefits. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, making it a great option for vegetarians. However, because the pakoras are deep-fried, they are higher in calories and fat. A 100-gram serving typically contains around 300-400 calories. For a healthier option, consider air-frying to reduce the oil content while still enjoying the crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
Paneer pakoras are a beloved Indian snack that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re indulging in the classic deep-fried version or opting for a healthier air-fried alternative, this snack is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a little practice, you can create the perfect paneer pakoras at home.
How many calories are in paneer pakora?
A 50-gram serving of Paneer Pakora, made with the required ingredients, contains approximately 258 calories.
Is paneer pakora gluten-free?
Yes, traditional paneer pakoras are gluten-free as they are made with gram flour (besan). Just ensure all additional ingredients, like spices, are also gluten-free.
How do you make paneer pakora crispy?
To make your paneer pakoras crispy, ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the paneer well, and fry them in hot oil (not too cold or too hot). Frying in small batches also helps maintain the oil temperature, resulting in a crispier texture.
Can you make paneer pakora in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air fryer paneer pakoras are a healthier alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook the batter-coated paneer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Is paneer pakora healthy?
While paneer itself is healthy and rich in protein, pakoras are deep-fried, which adds extra calories and fat. Enjoy them occasionally, or try air-frying for a healthier option.
Can I make paneer bread pakora with this recipe?
Absolutely! Paneer bread pakora is a delicious variation where you sandwich a paneer slice between two slices of bread, dip it in the batter, and fry it until golden brown.
How do I prevent paneer pakoras from becoming soggy?
To keep paneer pakoras crispy, serve them immediately after frying. If they need to be stored, reheat them in an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave to maintain their crispiness.
What to serve with paneer pakora?
Paneer pakoras are typically served with a variety of chutneys, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. They also pair well with masala chai or a refreshing beverage like lassi.