Pakoray- Fried Snack

Pakoras are a must on our Iftaar (breaking of the fast meal) menu! My Dad's most favorite snack that he can even have as a main-course since he delightedly savors them any day and any time of the year! The other day my Mom and I were having a chat and we started discussing a bit about Ramadan and how in this heat when the temperature soars to 45C, the only thing you wish to have at Iftaar time is some refreshing drink. My mother agreed and said that we will avoid making fried snacks this time altogether (something she says every year before Ramadan but something that never really ever happened :P) My dad was sitting nearby and was busy on his phone apparently but upon hearing my mom saying that, his sudden shocked reaction with the question was "Kiya, Pakoray nahin banain gaye iss baar?!" (what, there won't be any Pakoras this time?!) and my mom and I both burst out laughing :D that's how much he loves Pakoras! I'm sure you all got the idea now :D but we did assure him that there will be Pakoras ;)

Pakoras served with Green Chutney

This chickpea-lentil-flour-mixed-with-some-vegetables-fried-snack is very famous all across the South Asian counties and in every region, they make it in their own way and style. Even the Western taste buds have become familiar with them now as they are not only sold at the Pakistani and Indian eateries in various countries all across the globe but are prepared at homes also. These spicy and crispy treats are something that are specially prepared during Ramadan is almost every household. So, why am I doing a recipe post on these oh-so-common food item? Well, my recipe is a mastered skill, if I may say so myself without sounding pretentious :P and many of my friends often complain that their Pakoras never turn out crispy or doesn't stay crispy for long. They become soggy and sometimes absorb too much oil. So my recipe or I should say the way of making Pakoras will not disappoint you, In Sha Allah (God Willing) but the key to success is using good quality, fresh Baisen (chickpea lentil flour) always. They are quick to make, no beforehand preps are needed and always turn out just perfect :D Alhumdulilah (Praise to Allah) 

Lets begin some Pakora making get unleashed today then! :D

Pakoray

Ingredients:

Chickpea Lentil Flour (Baisen): 1 cup

Onions: 2 medium sized (sliced)

Potatoes: 1 large (thinly sliced in bite-size pieces)

Fresh Spinach Leaves: 1/2 cup (chopped)

Fresh Cilantro/Coriander: 1/4 cup (chopped)

Green Chilies: 2 

Salt: 1 tbsp

Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp.

Turmeric Powder: 1/4 tsp.

Coriander Powder: 1/4 tsp.

Coriander seeds: 1 tsp.

Cumin seeds: 1 tsp.

Carom seeds 1/4 tsp.

Garlic Powder: 1/4 tsp.

Ginger Powder: 1/4 tsp.

Dried Fenugreek Leaves: 1 tbsp. (optional)

Baking Soda: 1/4 tsp

Lemon Juice: Juice of one small lemon.

Water: as required

Oil: For deep frying.

Method:

1. Mix all the cut vegetables along with all the spices and lemon juice and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
2. Let this stand for a few minutes so that some juices from the vegetables are released because of mixing with the seasonings.
3. Now add the Chickpea lentil flour to these mixed vegetables and mix well so that everything binds together well. Use a little bit of water if needed otherwise there wont be any need. (as shown in the pic below)
4. Heat oil in a large frying pot or wok over medium flame.Once the oil is heated enough to start frying, drop a little prepared mix with a help of a tablespoon into the hot oil. Repeat the process without over-crowding the frying utensil.
5. After a minute or two, turn the Pakoras gently with a help of a slotted spoon and fry till they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Repeat the process and fry Pakoras into batches.
7. Take out the fried Pakoras into a draining sieve or on an absorbent paper. 
8. Serve hot with the Chutney or sauce of your choice but they best go with Tamarind or Mint Chutney. 

Serves 6-8

Prepared mixture

That's all folks! :) The spice level can always be adjusted according to your taste buds. I hope you enjoy making and eating them. Until next time, keep sharing the goodness of this greatest blessing, that has been bestowed in abundance upon us the lucky ones, with the less fortunate ones.
Thank you and please this Ramadan do remember everyone esp. The Ummah-e-Muslimeen (Muslim Nation) in your Du'as/prayers including me :)

Jazak'Allah Khair! (May Allah reward you)

*Not be duplicated, rewritten or published without permission- Thank you!