Crispy Spinach Pakoras
Ingredients
For Batter
- ½ cup gram flour (basen)
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (arrow root powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (hing)
- About 3/4 cup water
Also need
- About 30 fresh spinach leaves
- Oil to fry
Instructions
Method
- Mix all the dry ingredients together: besan, corn starch, black pepper, cumin seeds, asafetida, and salt. Corn starch adds to the crispness.
- Add the water slowly to make a smooth batter (batter should be thin consistency).
- Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium high heat.
- The frying pan should have at least 1 ½ inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in oil. The batter should come up but not change color right away.
- Dip the spinach leaf into the batter one at a time, making sure it is covered by the batter completely; wipe it from side of the batter bowl making sure batter is evenly spread over spinach. Then, slowly drop in the slices into the frying pan.
- Fry the pakoras in small batches. The pakoras will take about 2 to 3 minutes to cook.
- Turn them occasionally. Fry the pakoras until both sides are golden-brown.
- The crispy, delicious pakoras are now ready to serve.
- They can be stored for several days in air tight container.
Notes
- Spinach pakoras can be served as chips with your choice of dipping sauce.
- Spinach crisp can also be served as papdi chaat.
Crispy Spinach Pakoras: A Delectable Indian Snack
Crispy spinach pakoras are a quintessential Indian snack that tantalize taste buds with their crunchy texture and flavorful profile. Spinach Pakora, a delightful blend of appetizers and snacks, is a gluten-free and vegan treat perfect for winter recipes, offering a crunchy and flavorful indulgence. These bite-sized delights, also known as crispy spinach pakoras, are a favorite among food enthusiasts for their simplicity and robust taste. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art of crafting these irresistible treats, exploring the crispy spinach pakoras recipe, step by step.
Step 1: Gathering Ingredients
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the necessary ingredients. Fresh spinach leaves, besan (gram flour), rice flour, ajwain (carom seeds), turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin seeds, asafetida (hing), and salt are the key players in this recipe. These ingredients blend harmoniously to create the signature flavor and texture of crispy spinach pakoras.
Step 2: Preparing the Batter
Begin by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly and patting them dry. Chop the spinach finely, ensuring uniformity in size. In a mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, ajwain, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt. Gradually add water to the dry mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the spinach leaves evenly.
Step 3: Coating the Spinach
Dip each spinach leaf into the prepared batter, ensuring it is well-coated on both sides. Gently shake off any excess batter to achieve a light coating. Repeat this process for the remaining spinach leaves, arranging them on a plate for frying.
Step 4: Frying to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep-frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully slide the coated spinach leaves into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry the spinach pakoras until they turn golden brown and crisp, flipping them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Serve the hot and crispy spinach pakoras with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce for an added burst of flavor. These delectable treats are perfect for snacking on rainy days or as appetizers for gatherings. Enjoy the crunchy exterior giving way to the tender spinach inside with every bite.
Variations:
Paneer Spinach Pakoras: Add crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the batter for a creamy twist.
Cheese Spinach Pakoras: Stuff the spinach leaves with cheese before coating them with batter for a gooey surprise.
Benefits:
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health. Incorporating spinach into pakoras not only enhances the flavor but also adds a dose of goodness to this indulgent snack. Additionally, the use of besan (gram flour) provides a gluten-free alternative, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make crispy spinach pakoras ahead of time?
A: While pakoras are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare the batter in advance and fry them just before serving to retain their crispiness.
Q: Can I bake spinach pakoras instead of frying them?
A: Although frying yields the crispiest results, you can try baking spinach pakoras in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Q: Can I freeze leftover pakoras?
A: While pakoras are best consumed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Explore More Delectable Recipes
For more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration, explore the following links from Manjula’s Kitchen:
Crispy Spinach Pakoras, Vegetable Biryani, Paneer Tikka Masala, Vegetable Pakoras Recipe, Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant) Recipe & Matar (Green Peas) Paneer Recipe
Dive into the world of authentic Indian cuisine and elevate your cooking skills with these delightful recipes.
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