Paneer Pakora Recipe
If you’re a fan of Indian snacks, Paneer Pakora is an irresistible treat that perfectly blends crispy texture with soft, creamy goodness. A beloved tea-time snack across India, paneer pakoras are cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) dipped in a seasoned gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served hot with green chutney or tamarind sauce, they make a quick and satisfying appetizer or party snack.
What is Paneer Pakora?
Is a North Indian snack made by coating chunks of paneer in a spiced besan batter and deep-frying them. The result is a crunchy outside with a soft, melt-in-the-mouth interior. It’s a vegetarian delight often enjoyed during rainy days, festive occasions, or simply as a cozy evening bite with chai.
Ingredients
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes or rectangles
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil, for deep frying
Optional (for extra flavor):
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 chopped green chilies
- Chaat masala, for sprinkling
How to Make Paneer Pakora
- Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine besan, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain, and salt. Add water gradually to make a thick, lump-free batter. It should coat the paneer pieces well without dripping. - Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep frying pan and heat it on medium flame. Test by dropping a little batter in – it should rise slowly and steadily. - Coat the Paneer
Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. - Fry Until Golden
Carefully drop the battered paneer into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. - Serve Hot
Sprinkle chaat masala on top and serve immediately with mint chutney or ketchup.
Tips
- Use fresh and firm paneer to prevent it from crumbling.
- Keep the batter thick enough to cling to the paneer.
- You can stuff the paneer with a mint-coriander chutney for a stuffed version.
- Fry on medium heat to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
Variations to Try
- Masala : Add chopped coriander, green chilies, and cumin seeds to the batter for extra flavor.
- Paneer Sandwich Pakora: Place a mint chutney or spicy potato filling between two thin paneer slices, dip in batter, and fry.
- Air-Fried or Baked Version: For a healthier option, try air-frying or baking the pakoras with a light spray of oil.
Paneer Pakora is more than just a snack — it’s a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself on a rainy day, these crispy fritters are sure to hit the spot. Pair them with masala chai, and you’ve got a classic Indian comfort combo!