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As the chill of winter settles in, there is nothing more comforting than a warm cup of chai accompanied by a plate of crispy, golden pakoras. Fritters, also known as bhajis in various regions, have been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where they evolved as street food and a family favourite.
Each region in India has its unique twist on pakoras, adapting them to local ingredients and tastes, which only adds to their charm and widespread popularity. Winter, however, is the time when these crispy fritters truly come into their own. The contrast of the crunchy coating and the soft, flavourful inside is a sensory delight, especially when paired with a hot cup of chai.
Palak Pakora
This crispy fritter recipe combines fresh spinach leaves, chickpea flour, and spices, creating a satisfying crunch. The spinach offers a slightly earthy flavour, balanced by the rich, savoury taste of the seasoned batter. A variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder add depth to each bite. These fritters are not only tasty but also nutritious, as they pack the goodness of spinach. Enjoy them hot, straight from the frying pan, for a cosy and comforting treat during the chilly winter months.
Moong Dal Pakora
Moong Dal Pakora is made from soaked moong dal or yellow lentils, these crispy fritters are infused with spices like cumin, coriander, and asafoetida, which enhance their flavour. The texture is light yet crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delightful contrast. Some variations include adding grated vegetables like carrots or spinach, adding more depth to the taste.
Gobi Pakora
Gobi Pakora is a popular winter snack that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai. This pakora combines cauliflower florets with gram flour, turmeric, and ajwain, ginger, green chillies, and spices. The batter gram flour batter coats the cauliflower, which is then deep-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these pakoras offer a satisfying crunch. You can also experiment with variations by adding paneer or mixing in other vegetables.
Pyaaz Pakora
Made with thinly sliced onions, chickpea flour, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, these pakoras deliver a crispy, savoury crunch with every bite. The onions add sweetness and flavour, while the spices bring warmth to the dish, making it a perfect treat during chilly weather. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Methi Pakora
The star ingredient, fresh fenugreek leaves, adds a unique, slightly bitter flavour that balances beautifully with spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli. A batter of gram flour and rice flour gives the pakoras a crispy texture, while finely chopped onions and ginger enhance the taste. The pakoras are deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Enjoying these warm, flavourful pakoras with a hot cup of chai is the perfect way to embrace winter evenings.
Aloo Pakora
Aloo Pakora is the ultimate winter classic snack, made with boiled potatoes, chickpea flour, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, these crispy fritters are bursting with flavour. The potatoes absorb the spices, making every bite a delightful mix of savoury and mildly spicy. The crunchy outer coating contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender filling inside.
Mirch Pakora
Spicy dishes always taste more delicious during the winter months. These pakoras are made by stuffing large green chillies with a spiced potato filling, it’s coated in a crispy chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. The heat of the chillies complements the richness of the potato filling, while the crisp outer layer adds a delightful crunch.
