Poha Pakoras are a delightful snack that will be enjoyed by your family, friends, and housemates. This unique recipe combines the softness of poha (flattened rice) with the crunchiness of besan (gram flour), creating a perfect treat for any occasion.
Here’s what you need to make this delicious snack:
- Poha (Flattened Rice): 1 cup
- Water: As needed for soaking
- Ghee: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Black Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon (or white sesame seeds)
- Red Chili Flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Besan (Gram Flour): 1 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (white salt) and 1 teaspoon (black salt)
- Green Chilies: 5
- Coriander Leaves: 1 cup, chopped
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon
Preparing the Poha
Soak the Poha
- Take 1 cup of poha in a bowl.
- Add enough water to soak the poha and set it aside for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Tempering:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan.
- Add 1 teaspoon each of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and sesame seeds.
- Add 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Saute the mixture on low heat until the spices are fragrant.
Mixing the Ingredients
Combine Poha and Spices:
- Once the poha has soaked, drain any excess water.
- Add the tempered spices to the poha.
- Mix well to ensure the poha absorbs all the flavors.
Add Gram Flour:
- Gradually add 1 cup of besan (gram flour) to the poha mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to combine.
Add Fresh Ingredients:
- Add 1 cup of chopped coriander leaves and 5 finely chopped green chilies.
- Add 1 teaspoon each of white salt, black salt, and cumin powder.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
Shaping the Pakoras
Form the Pakoras:
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round balls or flat discs.
Prepare for Frying:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium.
Frying the Pakoras
Fry the Pakoras:
- Carefully place the shaped pakoras into the hot oil.
- Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Ensure even frying by turning the pakoras occasionally.
Drain the Excess Oil:
- Once fried, remove the pakoras from the oil.
- Place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions of Poha Pakoras
Serve Hot:
- Serve the hot poha pakoras with a side of green chutney or tamarind sauce.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Nutritional Benefits
- Healthy Ingredients: The combination of poha, gram flour, and fresh herbs makes this a nutritious snack.
- Low in Oil: Using minimal ghee and shallow frying helps keep the calorie count low.
- Rich in Fiber: The inclusion of poha and besan provides a good amount of dietary fiber.
Tips for the Perfect Pakoras
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh coriander and green chilies for the best flavor.
- Crispy Texture: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a crispy texture without making the pakoras greasy.
Conclusion
Poha Pakoras are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Easy to prepare and loved by all, they are perfect for tea-time gatherings, as a side dish, or even as a standalone snack. Try this recipe and delight your family and friends with this tasty treat!
FAQs
How do Poha Pakoras work?
Poha Pakoras are crispy, tasty fritters cooked with gram flour, spices, and flattened rice (poha).
Which elements are essential?
gram flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, green chilies, and flattened rice, together with ghee or oil.
How should Poha Pakoras be served?
Serve them warm with sauce or chutney.
Can I substitute oil for ghee?
Yes, if you’d like, you can use oil.
For this dish, how long does it take to cook?
It takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare and cook this recipe.
Meet Misha Mehboob, a passionate food enthusiast and computer science student from Sargodha University. Misha’s culinary journey is fueled by her love for exploring new flavors and experimenting in the kitchen.
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