Ready to eat

Paneer pakora is a popular Indian snack made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It is essentially a deep-fried dish where cubes or slices of paneer are coated in a spiced batter and fried until golden and crispy. Here's a basic recipe for paneer pakora:

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer, cut into cubes or slices
• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 2 tablespoons rice flour (optional, for added crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil for deep frying

For the batter:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the besan, rice flour (if using), red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture while whisking to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the paneer cubes evenly. Ensure there are no lumps in the batter.
3. Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

For frying:

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai on medium heat.
2. Dip each paneer cube into the batter, making sure it is coated well from all sides.
3. Gently drop the coated paneer cube into the hot oil. Fry a few pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pan, to avoid overcrowding.
4. Fry the pakoras until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. It usually takes around 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Once done, remove the pakoras using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining paneer cubes and batter.

Serve the paneer pakoras hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. They make a delicious appetizer or tea-time snack, and the crispy exterior and soft paneer inside provide a delightful texture contrast. Enjoy!