Spinach Pakora | Palak Pakora
This spinach pakora or pakoda is a tasty vegan spinach fritters recipe that is a crunchy snack or appetizer. Both deep fried or air fryer recipes are shared.
Servings 4
Calories 142kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ onion finely chopped
- 2 green chillies chopped optional
- 1 tbsp. cilantro finely chopped
- 1 cup besan flour gram flour
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch or rice flour optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ tsp. Garam masala
- ½ tsp. ajwain or carrom seeds
- 1 tsp. Ginger garlic minced or paste
- 1 tbsp. water or as needed
- Perforated parchment paper optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Alternatively, use baby spinach leaves.
- Finely chop the spinach leaves. Mix them with chopped onion, green chillies and chopped cilantro.
- If you don’t like heat, you can skip chillies.
- Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala, carrom seeds, ginger garlic paste or minced and salt.
- Keep aside for 5 minutes to release moisture.
- Add besan (chickpea flour) and cornstarch or rice flour. Mix well.
- Add only a little water, about a tsp. or two so that a thick batter is formed. It will depend upon how wet your batter is. If it is wet already, don't add water.
- If your batter gets runnier, add more chickpea flour to help it come together. Remember that chickpea flour is the main ingredient of the batter. Cornstarch is used to crisp up pakoras and can be skipped.
- We are looking for a thick batter here.. We do not want a runny batter.
For deep frying
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or Kadhai. Once it is medium hot, add a small speck of the pakoda mix.
- If it bubbles and floats to the top, you oil is at the right temperature.
- Using your hand or spoon, make small pakodas and add them to the hot oil.
- Fry them for 2-3 minutes till they are nicely browned and cooked.
- Drain them onto kitchen towels and serve hot. Use serving suggestions mentioned in the post.
- Your spinach pakoda are ready.
Air fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 180C or 360F for 5 minutes.
- Lay a perforated parchment paper inside. Then slowly make the pakoras and lay them in the basket.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
- Close the basket and air fry for about 8 minutes.
- Now spray or brush with oil. Flip the pakoras and cook again for 8-10 minutes till they are crispy and browned outside and cooked inside.
- Your palak pakoras are ready to serve. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
1. Choose fresh spinach: It is important to choose fresh and healthy spinach leaves for making palak pakoras.
The leaves should be dark green in color and free from any blemishes or discoloration.
You can also use baby spinach.
2. Add spices: To give your palak pakoras an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cumin, coarsely ground coriander seeds, and red chili powder to the besan flour mixture.
3. Make a thick batter: Make sure the batter isn't too runny or thin. A thick batter will help the pakoras hold their shape and become crispy.
4. Fry at the right temperature: Fry the pakoras at a medium-low temperature for the perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture.
If you fry them at a high temperature, they will turn brown quickly but will stay uncooked within.
5. Use cornstarch or rice flour: These help in making the pakoras crispy. Use rice flour for a gluten-free recipe.
6. Use perforated parchment paper: It helps the pakora in retaining its shape and not sticking to air fryer basket.
Flip pakoras midway during air frying so that they cook evenly and remain crunchy.
The leaves should be dark green in color and free from any blemishes or discoloration.
You can also use baby spinach.
2. Add spices: To give your palak pakoras an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cumin, coarsely ground coriander seeds, and red chili powder to the besan flour mixture.
3. Make a thick batter: Make sure the batter isn't too runny or thin. A thick batter will help the pakoras hold their shape and become crispy.
4. Fry at the right temperature: Fry the pakoras at a medium-low temperature for the perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture.
If you fry them at a high temperature, they will turn brown quickly but will stay uncooked within.
5. Use cornstarch or rice flour: These help in making the pakoras crispy. Use rice flour for a gluten-free recipe.
6. Use perforated parchment paper: It helps the pakora in retaining its shape and not sticking to air fryer basket.
Flip pakoras midway during air frying so that they cook evenly and remain crunchy.
Nutrition
Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1946IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg