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desi pub paneer pakora recipe
Andrea

desi pub paneer pakora recipe

Indian Desi Pub Paneer Pakoras are a classic Indian snack featuring soft paneer coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until crispy. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack, these paneer pakoras are bursting with flavor and offer a delightful contrast between the crunchy coating and soft paneer center. This quick and easy recipe is a must-try for lovers of Indian street food and pub bites.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pakora:
  • 400g paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup besan (gram flour)
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chaat masala
  • 1/4 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
For the green chutney:
  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp water

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, ajwain, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
  2. Gradually add water while whisking to create a smooth, thick batter that can coat the back of a spoon. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Just before frying, add 1/2 tsp baking powder to the batter and mix well.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it's well coated.
  6. Carefully drop the battered paneer cubes into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pakoras are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. For the green chutney, blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  10. Serve the hot paneer pakoras immediately with the green chutney on the side.

Notes

You can serve this dish with fresh naan (garlic naan is also lovely!) Chips (plain, masala or chilli chips are all highly recommended) and also don't forget the sauces and chutneys that complete these desi indian pub meals. You can find the recipes for these sauces right here!