Introduction:
Onion Pakora, also known as Pyaz Pakora or Kanda Bhaji,
is a popular Indian street food and tea-time snack that boasts a perfect blend
of crispiness and spiciness. These deep-fried fritters are made with thinly
sliced onions coated in a flavorful gram flour (besan) batter, making them an
absolute favorite during monsoons or any time you crave something savory and
crunchy. In this article, we will explore the world of Onion Pakoras, learn how
to make them at home, and also address some frequently asked questions to help
you whip up this delightful treat effortlessly.
Onion Pakora Recipe: Crispy and Flavorful
Here's a classic recipe to make Onion Pakoras at home:
Ingredients:
- Onions - 2 large (thinly sliced)
- Besan (gram flour) - 1 cup
- Rice flour - 2 tablespoons
- Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
- Ajwain (carom seeds) - 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking soda - a pinch
- Water - as needed
- Fresh coriander leaves - a handful (chopped)
- Curry leaves - a few (chopped)
- Green chilies - 2 (finely chopped, optional)
- Salt - to taste
- Oil - for deep frying
Instructions:
1.
Prepare the
Onions:
·
Thinly
slice the onions and separate the rings to ensure even frying.
2.
Make the
Batter:
·
In a mixing
bowl, combine besan, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam
masala, ajwain, baking soda, chopped coriander leaves, curry leaves, green
chilies (if using), and salt.
·
Gradually
add water and whisk to make a smooth and thick batter. The batter should coat
the back of a spoon without dripping.
3.
Heat the
Oil:
·
Heat
sufficient oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat for frying.
4.
Coat the
Onions:
·
Dip the
onion rings into the prepared batter, ensuring they are coated evenly.
5.
Fry the
Onion Pakoras:
·
Carefully
slide the coated onion rings into the hot oil.
·
Fry until
the pakoras turn golden brown and crispy.
·
Remove them
from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb
excess oil.
6.
Serve:
·
Serve the
hot and crispy Onion Pakoras with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
Onion Pakora Calories: A Note on Nutrition
Onion Pakoras are undoubtedly delicious, but they are
deep-fried and hence relatively high in calories. However, the exact number of
calories can vary based on the size of the pakoras and the quantity of oil used
for frying. On average, one medium-sized Onion Pakora contains around 40-60
calories. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional indulgence.
FAQs: Answering Your Queries
Q: Can I use other vegetables for Pakoras?
A: Absolutely!
While onions are the most common choice, you can experiment with other
vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or even sliced chili peppers to create
different varieties of pakoras.
Q: Can I make Onion Pakoras without deep frying?
A: While
deep-frying gives the best results in terms of crispiness, you can also try
shallow frying or baking the pakoras for a healthier alternative.
Q: Can I store leftover Onion Pakoras?
A: Yes, you can
store leftover pakoras in an airtight container at room temperature for a few
hours. However, they are best enjoyed fresh and lose their crunchiness over
time.
Q: Can I make the batter in advance?
A: It is best to
make the batter just before frying the pakoras for the freshest taste and
texture.
Conclusion:
Onion Pakoras are a delightful treat that tickles the taste buds with their crunchy texture and flavorful spices. This easy-to-follow recipe and the answers to frequently asked questions make it simple for you to recreate this classic Indian snack in your kitchen. Enjoy the crispy and savory goodness of Onion Pakoras with family and friends, and elevate your tea-time or monsoon snacking experience to a whole new level!