Pakora

Pakora are a typical dish of Indian cuisine, highly appreciated as a snack or appetizer. They are essentially vegetable fritters dipped in a chickpea flour batter, spiced and fried. Here’s how to prepare them, with an Italian touch to best enhance the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of chickpea flour
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of fresh chopped spinach (or vegetables of your choice such as cauliflower, bell peppers, eggplants)
• 1 fresh green chili, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (more or less to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed to create a batter
• Oil for frying

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the chickpea flour with the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili) and salt. Gradually add water until you obtain a smooth batter that coats the vegetables without being too liquid or too thick.
2. Add the sliced vegetables, green chili, and fresh chopped cilantro to the batter and mix well to ensure they are completely covered by the batter.
3. Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan and, once the oil has reached the right temperature (you can check by dropping a pinch of batter into the oil - if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready), take a spoonful of the batter with the vegetables and gently slide it into the hot oil.
4. Fry the pakora in batches so as not to lower the oil temperature too much, turning them occasionally, until they become golden and crispy. Once ready, drain them and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve hot, possibly with a mint or tamarind chutney sauce for an authentic taste experience.

Interesting Facts

The pakora originated in the Indian subcontinent and their name varies depending on the region, taking on names such as bhaji, bhajiya, or fakkura. They are a versatile dish that can be personalized with various vegetables and spices, adaptable to individual tastes. Experiment with seasonal vegetables for an all-Italian twist, and if you want, you can also add a bit of grated cheese to the batter for an Italo-Indian version!