Paneer Pakora

Paneer Pakora is a delicacy. Paneer / Indian cottage cheese, dipped in a gram batter and fry makes a crispy, mouthwatering appetizer.
Reminds me of my younger sister who use to be a fussy eater, but never said no to these yummy bites. My mum always prepared loads of fresh paneer at home, so she instantly made these delicious snack for all of us, especially for my little sister when she played pranks with food.

In UK, you can find paneer in any Asian grocery. Some Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s also stock it up in Asian section. I bought some from Hammersmith Sainbury’s located in the shopping complex on high street.

You can have a look in the larder section under miscellaneous on home made paneer preparation.

Paneer Pakora

Paneer Pakora is a delicacy. Paneer / Indian cottage cheese, dipped in a gram batter and fry makes a crispy, mouthwatering appetizer.

Reminds me of my younger sister who use to be a fussy eater, but never said no to these yummy bites. My mum always prepared loads of fresh paneer at home, so she instantly made these delicious snack for all of us, especially for my little sister when she played pranks with food.

In UK, you can find paneer in any Asian grocery. Some Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s also stock it up in Asian section. I bought some from Hammersmith Sainbury’s located in the shopping complex on high street.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 17 mins

Servings 4

Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 200 grams paneer cut to desired sizes
• ¼ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• ½ tsp garam masala
• Oil for deep frying

For paneer pakora batter

• ½ cup besan
• 2 tbsps rice flour (to make crispy, optional)
• ¼ tsp red chili powder
• Salt as needed
• ¾ to 1 tsp ajwain
• 1 tsp ginger chilli paste
• Pinch of soda bicarbonate (optional)
• Water as needed

Instructions

 

• Cut paneer to desired sizes.
• Sprinkle red chilli powder, garam masala and chaat masala. Toss them well in the bowl. Set this aside for 10 minutes. When I prepare it for my 3years old, I skip the tossing and just dip cut paneer pieces into the prepared batter.
• Heat oil in a deep kadai on a medium heat.
• Add besan, rice flour, salt, ajwain, red chilli powder, ginger chilli paste to a bowl.
• Add water just enough to make a thick but free flowing batter.Use a whisk for mixing.
• Rest the batter for about fifteen minutes.
• When the oil is hot enough, dip each paneer piece in the batter, swipe off the excess dripping batter. Drop it in the hot oil. You can use your fingers or a table spoon to do this.
• Gently keep stirring &flipping to fry evenly until they turn golden.
• Drain them on a kitchen tissue.
• Serve paneer pakora with a dip of your choice
• You can also try onion rings and green bell peppers, instead of paneer which also make piquant starters/ snacks.

  Enjoy!!

Notes

(240 ml cup used)