Paneer Pakoda is a beloved Indian snack that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. These bite-sized fritters feature fresh paneer cheese cubes coated in a blend of aromatic spices and a crunchy, golden gram flour batter. They’re utterly irresistible when served piping hot with a tangy chutney for dipping.
About the Recipe
If you love paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and can’t resist anything crispy and fried, then this paneer pakoda recipe needs to go on your must-try list. It’s a beloved tea-time snack in many Indian households. The contrast of the soft, fresh paneer cubes inside the crisp, spiced exterior is merely divine.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There’s so much to love about homemade paneer pakodas. They have an addictively crunchy texture with bursts of warm spice. The process is easy enough for beginners. And you can customize the spice level to suit your taste. Best of all, these golden bites disappear quickly off the plate.
Paneer Pakoda
Cooking Tips
For the crunchiest pakodas, be sure to keep the frying oil at the right temperature – not too hot. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully adding the paneer to the oil. Fry until deep golden brown for maximum crispness.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Paneer pakodas are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the fryer. Serve them as an appetizer or snack with mint or tamarind chutney for dipping. For a meal, pair with rice and dal. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp. Makes about 25-30 pakodas. Total prep time is 45 minutes.
Similar Recipes
- Bread Pakora
- Vegetable Pakora
- Aloo Bonda
- Mirchi Bajji
- Onion Pakora
Nutrient Benefits
Though fried foods should be enjoyed in moderation, paneer provides a good source of protein and calcium in this snack. The gram flour batter adds fiber, while the spices like turmeric have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Paneer Pakoda
Ingredients
- 500 gms Paneer (cubed)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 2 cups Gram Flour
- 1/2 tsp Ajwain (coarsely pounded)
- 4 cups Cold Water
- Salt as per taste
- Oil as required
Instructions
- Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 2 tsp oil in a bowl.
- Mix well to a thick paste.
- Add the paneer cubes and coat them evenly with the paste.
- Keep aside.
- Add the gram flour to a new pan.
- Add 1 tsp salt and ajwain. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups of water and mix well to a thick paste.
- Add 2 more cups of water and mix. make sure no lumps remain.
- The batter should be semi-thin and well mixed.
- Keep the batter in the fridge for 15 minutes, covered with a lid.
- Remove and stir well.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame.
- Dip the marinated paneer pieces in the batter. Allow the excess batter to drip off and make sure the paneer is well coated with the batter.
- Add them to the hot oil and deep fry until golden and crisp.
- Remove and drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with chutney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the pakodas instead of frying?
For the signature crispy texture, deep frying is recommended. However, you can shallow fry or bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version. The texture won’t be quite as crunchy though.
What’s the best oil for frying pakodas?
Opt for an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, peanut or sunflower oil for deep frying. Avoid oils with lower smoke points.
How do I store leftover pakodas?
Refrigerate any leftovers once completely cooled in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To re-crisp, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Why did my pakoda batter get soggy?
This could happen if the batter was too thin or if the frying oil wasn’t hot enough. The batter should be a semi-thin, lump-free consistency and the oil hot at 350-375°F for best crispness.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Without a doubt. The chilled batter can be prepped up to 6-8 hours ahead and stored covered in the fridge until ready to fry. Just give it a good stir before using.
3 comments
Hello, I tried this paneer pakoras recipe and it tastes just awesome. I also recommend everyone to try this at least one time you will love this.
Thanks for sharing such amazing paneer pakoras recipe.
hmm..looks inviting..today’s evening snack for sure.
mouth watering recipe