Serve this Crispy Aloo Palak Pakora that is a beloved Pakistani snack, combines the earthy flavors of spinach and potatoes with a crispy, golden coating. These crispy aloo palak pakora are perfect for tea time, rainy days, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings and for Ramadan Iftar platter. Made with simple ingredients like gram flour (besan), potatoes, spices, and fresh greens, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Pakoras are a staple snack in South Asian cuisine, enjoyed in countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. They are believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and are often associated with monsoon season, where crispy, hot snacks are a favorite comfort food.
Whether you’re a fan of crispy snacks or looking for a way to sneak more greens into your cravings, these Aloo Palak Pakoras are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a batch of these irresistible fritters!
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 medium sized onion sliced cut
- 4 fresh green chilis chopped
- 1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Water splash (as needed, to make the batter)
- Oil (for deep frying)
Directions
Step 1. Combine vegetables
-In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced potatoes, onions, green chilis and chopped spinach.
Step 2. Make veggies mix
-Now add all required spices that are red chili powder, cumin seeds, cracked coriander seeds, baking soda, and salt.
-Then mix well until the vegetables are evenly mixed with spices and vegetables releases their water.
Step 3. Make the batter
-In a liquidly veggies mix, add gram flour and combine everything well. Keep mixing with hands until flour begin to become liquidly – a consistency of perfect pakora batter. At this stage if you feel water is not enough to give ingredients a ball like shape, add a splash of water and mix again.
-Now rest the batter for minimum of 30 minutes. This will add crispness and fluffiness to fried pakoras.
Step 4. Fry the Pakoras
-Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
-Once the oil is hot, drop spoonful of the batter-coated vegetables into the oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
-Fry until the pakoras are golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
Step 5. Drain and serve
-Remove the pakoras with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
-Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
Aloo Palak Pakora is a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make snack. So, grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delicious pakoras. They’re the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Pakistan in your own kitchen!
Tips for Perfect Aloo Palak Pakora
Slice potatoes thinly: Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender inside the crispy coating.
Adjust spice levels: Customize the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste.
Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and flavor to the pakoras.
Fry in small batches: This ensures the pakoras cook evenly and stay crispy.
Add rice flour: For extra crispiness, rice flour is a great addition to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
With Chutney: Serve with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt dip.
As a Snack: Enjoy with a cup of masala chai for a perfect tea-time treat.
As an Appetizer: Serve as a starter at parties or gatherings.
With Salad: Pair with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a light meal.
FAQs:
Can I make these pakoras without potatoes?
Yes, you can skip the potatoes and use only spinach or add other vegetables like onions or grated carrots for a different twist.
What can I use instead of gram flour (besan)?
You can use chickpea flour or a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Can I air-fry these pakoras?
Yes, air-fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with a little oil for crispiness.
Are these pakoras vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based oil for frying.