Homemade Paneer Pakora

🧀 Crispy outside. Soft and juicy inside. Pure happiness! 😋

Rainy evening, a hot cup of chai and a plate of freshly fried paneer pakoras—some combinations just don't need an occasion. ❤️

They're quick enough for an evening craving, easy enough for a beginner and delicious enough to disappear before you get your second cup of chai!

🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins

🔥 Cook Time: 10 mins

👨👩👧👦 Serves: 2–3

⭐ Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Paneer

• 200 g paneer, cut into thick slices or cubes
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• Salt to taste

For the Batter

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp rice flour
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp ajwain
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed

For Frying

• Oil

👨🍳 Let's Make It!

1. Season the Paneer 🧀

Sprinkle chilli powder, pepper, chaat masala and salt over the paneer. Mix gently and let it sit for 5 minutes.

2. Make the Batter

Mix besan, rice flour and spices. Add water little by little to make a smooth, thick batter.

It should coat the paneer nicely—not slide straight off. 😉

3. Heat the Oil 🔥

Heat oil over medium heat. To check if it's ready, drop in a tiny bit of batter—it should rise steadily and sizzle without browning instantly.

4. Coat & Fry

Dip each paneer piece into the batter and coat well.

Carefully slide it into the hot oil and fry in small batches until golden and crisp.

5. Drain & Serve ❤️

Remove onto a lined plate and serve immediately with green chutney, ketchup or imli chutney.

And don't forget the chai! ☕😋

💡 Chef's Secret

Want that extra-crispy pakora crunch?

Add rice flour to your besan batter and keep the batter slightly thick. Most importantly, don't overcrowd the pan while frying.

For an extra flavour boost, add a pinch of Kasuri Methi to the batter.

👨🍳 Crispy Pakora. Hot Chai. Happy Evening.

Sometimes, the best Quick Bites aren't complicated at all.

They're the ones that bring everyone to the kitchen asking, “Are they ready yet?” ❤️