Gluten Free Vegetable Pakora

This gluten free vegetable pakora is a flavorful tempura-style fritter made with various vegetables, herbs and spices coated in a light crispy coating and is acceptable for a plant-based diet.

What is vegetable pakora?

A vegetable pakora is a popular snack in India and Pakistan, usually served with chutney. The coating is a light batter made traditionally with chickpea flour, also known as gram, besan, or garbanzo bean flour and spices. Pakora is deep-fried, to create a crispy coating for the vegetables.

Best vegetables to use in pakora recipe

You can use various vegetables in pakora recipes, but some work better than others. For the best results, choose veggies that are firm and not too watery. Good options include cabbage, French beans, onions, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli. You can also use spinach or other leafy greens, but chop them finely, so they don’t make the pakoras too wet.

Is vegetable pakora gluten free?

Yes, pakora is gluten free because the batter is typically made with chickpea and/or rice flour. You can also replace the rice flour with a starch such as tapioca or arrowroot to keep it grain free.

Best oil for frying

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best oil for frying your gluten free vegetable pakora. The first is the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke and break down. The second is the flavor of the oil, which can be affected by its smoke point.

Some good choices for high smoke point oils are peanut, canola, or grapeseed. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down or smoking. One of these would be a good choice if you are looking for an oil with a neutral flavor.

Another thing to consider is the type of fat in the oil. Some people prefer to use an oil high in monounsaturated fats, like olive oil. Others prefer oil high in polyunsaturated fats, like vegetable or sunflower oils. Each type of fat has different health benefits, so choose the one that fits your needs best.

No matter what oil you choose, heat it slowly so that it doesn’t smoke or break down. Then, when it’s hot enough, add your pakoras and fry away!

Can I make pakora without deep frying?

Yes, you can. However, the fritters will not have the same crispy coating you get from deep frying. So if you’re looking for a healthier option, try baking your pakora in the oven or an air fryer. 

To bake them, preheat your oven to 400 Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, scoop small dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

3 favorite dips to serve with pakora

1. Coriander and Mint Chutney: This refreshing chutney is made with fresh cilantro, mint, green chili, ginger, and lemon juice. It’s the perfect dipping sauce for pakora and is our favorite.

2. Tamarind Chutney: This sweet and tangy chutney is a combination of tamarind paste, jaggery, and spices like red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. It’s a delicious dip for pakora!

3. Mango Salsa: This fruity salsa is all about fresh mangoes, tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. It’s a wonderfully flavorful dip for pakora!

Storing pakora

To store your pakora, use an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat and crisp them up, place the fritters on a wired rack in a low oven setting or air fryer.

Serving suggestions for pakora

There are many ways to enjoy pakora, and the beauty of this dish is that it can be tailored to your liking. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

-Pakoras are best served fresh and warm

-Serve pakora with a dipping sauce of your choice. Popular options include chutney, mint yogurt, or tamarind sauce.

-For a more substantial meal, serve pakora over a bed of rice or quinoa drizzled with your favorite sauce

-Pair pakora with a refreshing salad for a light meal.

-For a fun twist, use pakora in wraps with a dipping sauce

Takeaway

Gluten-free vegetable pakora is delicious, packed with flavor and healthy. This Indian dish is both flavorful and nutritious. So whether you are looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, gluten free vegetable pakora will not disappoint.

Do you love Indian cuisine? Check out our selection of gluten free Indian recipes for inspiration.