Spinach Pakoras Recipes

SPINACH PAKORA (FRITTERS)

Steps:

• Sift the gram flour.
• Mix all the ingredients (except oil), to make a smooth and thick (almost like dough) batter.
• Cover and let it stand for ½ hour.
• Sprinkle little water if needed.
• (If using frozen spinach, thaw before using.) Blend in all the seasonings (except salt) and mix well.
• (You may chill the batter in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or more until it can be handled.) Mix in salt when ready to cook.
• Heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok on medium to high heat.
• For each pakora, scoop a heaped teaspoon of the batter, and with a second spoon, scrape the mixture into the hot oil.
• Put the'pakoras' in a single layer in the skillet.
• Fry, turning them with a slotted flat spatula, until all sides become golden brown.
• (Regulate the heat as needed while the'pakoras' are being fried.) Remove and drain on paper towels or brown paper bag lined with plastic.
• Fry all the'pakoras' this way.
• Serve hot with any chutney.
• Variation: Add 1 cup corn kernels to the mixture for extra crispness.
• May also add ½ teaspoon baking soda to ensure softness.

SPINACH PAKORAS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients except oil and chutney together until well combined.
• Form into small balls that are about half the size of a golf ball.
• Put oil in a non stick skillet over medium high heat. Load the pan up with the pakoras, they can touch- but dont overcrowd!
• Brown on all sides.
• Serve with Mango Chutney( don't skip this part).

SPINACH AND ONION PAKORAS WITH PEAR AND MINT CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Place the chickpea flour, spinach, yogurt, 1/2 cup water, cumin, coriander, fenugreek and onions into a large bowl. Season with salt and stir until well combined.
• Pour the oil into a large pot with a heavy bottom and heat to 350 degrees F.
• Carefully drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry, in batches, until they rise to the surface and are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on a rack lined with paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Serve the pakoras with the Pear and Mint Chutney.
• Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When hot, add the onions and cook until very soft, about 3 minutes. Add the cardamom and fennel seeds and cook for 30 seconds. Set aside.
• Put the pears into a food processor along with the mint and onion mixture. Season with some salt, and then puree until it has a smooth but slightly chunky texture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

CRISPY VEGETABLE PAKORAS

Steps:

• Sift the chickpea flour into a medium bowl. Mix in the coriander, salt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala and garlic.
• Make a well in the center of the flower. Gradually pour the water into the well and mix to form a thick, smooth batter.
• Over medium high heat in a large, heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Coat the cauliflower and onions in the batter and fry them in small batches until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.

ONION AND SPINACH PAKORA WITH CILANTRO CHUTNEY

Steps:

• For the pakora: Pour the oil into a large, deep pot and place over medium heat until it registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
• Meanwhile, combine the spinach, onion, cilantro, besan, rice flour, ginger garlic paste, fenugreek, turmeric, chaat masala, garam masala, chili powder and salt to taste in a large bowl. Stir the mixture well. Stir in enough water to make a thick batter.
• When the oil is hot, working in batches, drop balls of the batter mixture into the oil. Fry until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with chaat masala and serve hot.
• For the cilantro-mint chutney: In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, mint, mango, chiles, lime juice and salt to taste and process or blend until smooth. Serve alongside the pakora.