Appetizers & Starters > Cheese-Based Starters > Fried Cheese Appetizers > Paneer Pakoras
Crispy Paneer Pakoras
Enjoy these golden and crispy Paneer Pakoras, a classic Indian appetizer made with fresh paneer (Indian cheese) coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried to perfection. Perfect for parties or a delightful snack!
Ingredients
- 250 g Paneer (Indian cheese)
- 1 cup Besan (gram flour)
- 2 tbsp Rice flour
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 1/4 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
- To taste Salt
- ¾ cup (approx.) Water
- For frying Vegetable oil
Prepare the Paneer
Cut the paneer into 1/2-inch thick cubes or triangles. You can pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the batter adhere better.
Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine besan (gram flour), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Rice flour adds extra crispiness to the pakoras.
Add Water Gradually
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously to form a smooth batter. The batter should be of a medium consistency – not too thick, not too thin. It should coat the paneer evenly.
Coat the Paneer
Dip each paneer piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Let the excess batter drip off.
Fry the Pakoras
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a drop of batter is added. Gently drop the coated paneer pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry Until Golden Brown
Fry the pakoras until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pakoras from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Serve Hot
Serve the Paneer Pakoras hot with your favorite chutney, such as mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. They are best enjoyed immediately!
FAQ
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Can I use store-bought paneer?
Yes, you can use store-bought paneer. Make sure it's fresh and firm. If it's too soft, it might crumble during frying. -
Can I make these pakoras ahead of time?
Pakoras are best served fresh. If you need to prepare ahead, you can make the batter and cut the paneer, then fry them just before serving. You can also re-crisp slightly cooled pakoras by baking them briefly in a preheated oven or air fryer. -
What if my batter is too thick or too thin?
If the batter is too thick, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If the batter is too thin, add a little more besan (gram flour), a tablespoon at a time.