Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups gram flour (besan)
- 1 cup chopped spinach leaves
- 1 cup grated bottle gourd
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as required
- Oil for deep frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, chopped spinach leaves, grated bottle gourd, chopped onion, chopped coriander leaves, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
2. Add water gradually to the mixture and mix well to form a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
4. Take a small portion of the batter and drop it into the hot oil using a spoon or your hand. Repeat the process to make more pakoras.
5. Fry the pakoras on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the pakoras from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for frying
Serving size:
- 4-5 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any other leafy greens instead of spinach.
- You can use grated carrots instead of bottle gourd.
Variations:
- You can add chopped mint leaves to the batter for a refreshing flavor.
- You can add chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the batter is thick enough to coat the vegetables well.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan while frying the pakoras.
- You can add a pinch of baking soda to the batter for a fluffy texture.
Storage instructions:
- You can store the leftover pakoras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can reheat the pakoras in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pakoras on a platter with your favorite chutney or sauce.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or grated cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with hot tea or coffee.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pakoras are not crispy, increase the heat while frying.
- If the batter is too thin, add more gram flour to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pakoras.
- Do not leave the hot oil unattended.
Food history:
- Pheka Pakora is a popular snack in India, especially during the monsoon season.
Flavor profiles:
- Pheka Pakora has a crispy texture and a spicy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer.
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Region: Indian