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Paneer Pakora Recipe

Paneer Pakora is a popular Indian snack made by coating paneer cubes in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-frying them until crispy. Served hot with mint or tamarind chutney, these fritters are loved for their crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, making them a favorite vegetarian appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 1400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Paneer (cottage cheese) cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 Cup Besan (gram flour)
  • 2 tablespoon Rice flour (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon Baking soda
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Paneer

  • Cut the firm paneer into bite-sized cubes. For best results, use fresh, non-crumbly paneer. If it’s too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm it up!

Make the Batter

  • Mix besan (chickpea flour), rice flour, and water to create a smooth batter. The consistency should be like pancake batter — thick enough to coat the paneer but not too runny.

Season the Batter

  • Next, add salt, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and ginger-garlic paste to the batter. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference. This is where the magic of the batter happens!

Coat the Paneer

  • Then, dip each paneer cube into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. After all, this coating is crucial for that crispy texture that makes Paneer Pakora irresistible!

Fry the Pakoras

  • Heat oil in a pan until it reaches the right temperature — hot, but not smoking! Fry the pakoras in batches, ensuring they're not overcrowded.

Frying Tips

  • Fry until golden and crispy. If you’re like me, you’ll get a little too excited at this point — but take your time! Drain excess oil on a paper towel for that perfect crunch.

Garnishing & Serving

  • Finally, sprinkle chaat masala or fresh cilantro on top. Then, serve with tangy mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a fresh onion-tomato salad. All in all, it’s the perfect way to complete your Paneer Pakora experience. Enjoy!

Notes

Creative Variations of Paneer Pakora

    • Cheese Stuffed Paneer Pakora 
      Simply stuff the paneer cubes with mozzarella or cheddar cheese before frying. When you bite into them, the gooey, melted cheese surprise will blow your mind! 
    • Spicy Paneer Pakora 
      Looking for an extra kick? Simply add green chilies or a pinch of chili flakes to the batter. Consequently, it gives your Paneer Pakora a spicier twist—perfect for those who crave a little heat!
    • Herb-Flavored Pakora 
      For a refreshing, herby twist, mix in fresh mint and cilantro into the batter. This addition beautifully balances the richness of the paneer with the freshness of the herbs. 
    • Vegan Paneer Pakora 
      Switch it up by using tofu instead of paneer and plant-based yogurt or milk for the batter. The texture is slightly different, but just as delicious — a great vegan alternative! 
    • Tandoori Paneer Pakora 
      Marinate the paneer in tandoori-style spices before dipping it in the batter. This adds a smoky, spicy flavor, giving you a taste of tandoori without the grill! 
    • Stuffed Pakora 
      For a heartier version, stuff the paneer with mashed potatoes, spiced peas, or a veggie filling before frying. It's like a double treat in every bite! 

Tips for Perfect Paneer Pakora

    • Batter Consistency: Adjust the batter so it’s thick enough to coat the paneer, but not too runny. If too thin, pakoras won’t crisp properly. 
    • Frying Temp: Heat the oil to medium-high for the perfect fry. If it’s too hot, the pakoras will burn; too cold, and they’ll turn soggy. Balance is key for that perfect crunch! 
    • Make-Ahead Tips: Prep the paneer and batter in advance! Marinate the paneer and refrigerate it for a few hours to intensify the flavor. This step really enhances the taste!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Paneer Pakora Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
1400
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
90
g
138
%
Saturated Fat
 
20
g
125
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
20
g
Cholesterol
 
250
mg
83
%
Sodium
 
800
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
1000
mg
29
%
Carbohydrates
 
110
g
37
%
Fiber
 
10
g
42
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
70
g
140
%
Vitamin A
 
700
IU
14
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.4
mg
27
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.5
mg
29
%
Vitamin B3
 
4
mg
20
%
Vitamin B5
 
1
mg
10
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B12
 
1
µg
17
%
Vitamin C
 
20
mg
24
%
Vitamin E
 
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
 
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
 
700
mg
70
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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