In South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan, chai and samosas or pakora are standard on rainy days .
Chai recipe → [Masala Chai - spiced milk tea])
(Chai video → [Aromatic Masala Chai])
Making samosas from scratch can be a time-consuming process. However, you can opt for Frozen Samosas or fresh samosas from Ambika Shop for a quick and convenient alternative!
Now, let me introduce you to an easy pakora recipe
Onion Pakora
Onion pakoras are a popular Indian snack made by coating thinly sliced onions in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-frying them to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these flavorful fritters are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as an appetizer for any meal. This is a type of pakora that is similar to tempura. It is also known as Onion Bhaji.
【Ingredients】
- Onion - 1 medium onion, sliced into 3mm widths
- Fresh coriander - 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped
- Besan flour - 3 tablespoons
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt as per taste
- Water as needed
- Oil - appropriate amount for frying
*Optional: Cumin seeds, Ajwain seeds, or Whole Coriander – 1/2 teaspoon.
*Alternatively, you can use Kasuri Methi – 1 tablespoon.
*For a crispier batter, you can also add 1 tablespoon of rice flour.
*It is also recommended to replace onions with leafy vegetables such as spinach or cabbage.
【How to make】
- Put onions, powdered spices, salt, and chopped fresh coriander in a bowl. Add the ingredients, mix well, and leave for 10 minutes. The onions will release some water liquid, but do not drain it.
- Add besan flour and whole spices or Kasoori Methi (optional) to the mixture. Mix well. If the mixture still feels powdery, add a little water.
- Heat oil in a pan to about 180℃. Take small portions of the dough from step 2 and deep fry them in the pan, being careful not to splash the oil.
- Once both sides are well fried, remove the fritters from the pan and drain the excess oil.
- Serve the fritters with your favorite chutney and ketchup, and enjoy with a sprinkle of chat masala.
【Pakora Batter】
Pakoras are made by preparing a dough, wrapping it around your favorite filling, and then deep frying it in oil.
- Besan flour - 1 cup
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Water as much as you like (tempura batter or a little thicker)
- Oil - appropriate amount for frying
*Optional: Cumin seeds, Ajwain seeds, or Whole Coriander – 1/2 teaspoon.
*Alternatively, you can use Kasoori Methi – 1 tablespoon.
*For a crispier batter, you can also add 1 tablespoon of rice flour.
【How to make】
- Mix all the ingredients except the oil. Add 1/2 cup of water first and adjust the consistency as needed.
- Heat oil in a pan to about 180°C. Dip the ingredients into the batter and fry them.
- Once both sides are well-fried, remove them from the pan and drain the excess oil.
- Enjoy with chutney, ketchup, or chat masala.
*Prepare your favorite ingredients! Try sliced potatoes (5mm thick), eggplant or zucchini (1cm thick), bell peppers, green chillies, paneer, cauliflower, or bread with mashed potatoes (for bread pakora). 
Although the rainy season will continue for a while, let's start preparing for summer with a cup of chai accompanied by some delicious samosas and pakoras!
