I’m excited to introduce you to a classic Indian snack that’s bursting with flavor – Onion Pakora! Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this crispy and delicious dish is a staple in many households and street food stalls.

Onion pakoras are essentially fritters made with thinly sliced onions mixed with a flavorful blend of spices, gram flour, and rice flour. They are then deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Despite its mouthwatering taste, onion pakoras are surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for beginners in the kitchen.

With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible snacks in no time.

Expert Tip: Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the pan. It should sizzle and rise to the surface with tiny bubbles around it. This indicates that the oil is hot enough for frying, resulting in crispy pakoras.

Ingredients

Onions: Onions provide a sweet and savory flavor to the pakoras. When thinly sliced and mixed with the batter, they add a delightful crunch and aroma.

Salt: Salt not only enhances the flavor of the pakoras but also helps to draw out moisture from the onions, ensuring they become crispy during frying.

Chilli Powder and Crushed Chillies: These spices add a kick of heat to the pakoras, balancing out the sweetness of the onions.

Coriander Seeds: Crushed coriander seeds impart a subtle citrusy and earthy flavor to the pakoras, complementing the other spices.

Green Chillies: Adding finely chopped green chillies gives an extra layer of heat and freshness to the pakoras.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Turmeric not only adds a vibrant yellow color to the pakoras but also offers a warm and earthy flavor.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves add brightness and freshness to the pakoras, enhancing their overall flavor.

Gram Flour: Also known as besan, gram flour is the main binder in the pakora batter. It provides a nutty flavor and helps create a crispy texture when fried.

Rice Flour: Rice flour adds an extra crispiness to the pakoras, making them even more delightful.

Expert Tip: Gradually add water to the batter until you achieve a thick, pourable consistency. Adding too much water at once can make the batter too runny, resulting in soggy pakoras.

Serving Suggestions

• Green Chutney: Serve the onion pakoras alongside a tangy and spicy green chutney made with fresh coriander, mint, green chillies, and lemon juice. The refreshing flavors of the chutney pair perfectly with the crunchy pakoras.
• Tamarind Chutney: For a sweeter and tangier dipping sauce, try pairing the onion pakoras with tamarind chutney. Made with tamarind pulp, jaggery, and spices, this chutney adds a delightful contrast of flavors to the pakoras.
• Yogurt Dip: Whip up a creamy yogurt dip seasoned with salt, cumin powder, and chopped coriander leaves. The coolness of the yogurt provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy pakoras.
• Tomato Ketchup: For a simple and classic option, serve the onion pakoras with tomato ketchup. The sweet and tangy flavor of the ketchup complements the savory taste of the pakoras.
• Masala Chai: Enjoy onion pakoras as a tea-time snack with a hot cup of masala chai. The warm and aromatic spices in the chai pair beautifully with the crispy pakoras, making for a comforting and satisfying treat.
• Raita: Serve the onion pakoras with a side of raita, a cooling yogurt-based dip flavored with cucumbers, tomatoes, and spices. The creamy texture of the raita balances out the spiciness of the pakoras.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve the onion pakoras with a crisp salad made with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice. The freshness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the fried pakoras.

Expert Tip: Make sure to slice the onions thinly for crispy pakoras. Thicker slices may result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make onion pakoras ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter for onion pakoras ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to fry the pakoras just before serving to ensure they stay crispy.

Can I freeze onion pakoras?

While you can freeze onion pakoras, they are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may affect their texture, making them less crispy. If you do freeze them, reheat them in the oven to help revive their crispiness.

Can I use different vegetables in place of onions?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different vegetables such as potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, or bell peppers to make pakoras. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and spices accordingly to suit the flavor of the vegetables.

How do I store leftover onion pakoras?

If you have any leftover onion pakoras, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven until they are warmed through and crispy.

Can I make onion pakoras without deep frying?

While deep frying yields the crispiest results, you can also bake onion pakoras in the oven for a healthier option. Simply preheat the oven, place the pakoras on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake until golden brown and crispy.

How spicy are onion pakoras?

The level of spiciness in onion pakoras can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies in the recipe. Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add extra green chilies.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Egg Pakora
• Vegetable Pakora
• Aloo Pakora
• Shrimp Pakora
• Chicken Pakora

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Onion Pakora

by Nabeela Kauser

This deep-fried snack is made with gram flour, salt, and an array of spices. A popular and much-loved snack during the cold winter season. Commonly served with a cup of masala chai, this pakora recipe is perfect for teatime.

5 from 12 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 6

Calories 125 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 Onions
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Crushed Chillies
• ▢ 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds Crushed
• ▢ 1 Green Chillies
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ Coriander
• ▢ 100 g Gram Flour
• ▢ 50 g Rice Flour
• ▢ 2 tbsp Water

Instructions

• Cut the red onions into thin slices and add into a bowl
• Add the spices to the onions and mix until evenly incorporated
• Add the gram flour and the rice flour then mix until well combined
• Gradually add the water and mix until well combined – do not leave the batter to sit and fry immediately otherwise the batter will become runny
• Heat a pan with oil for deep frying until medium-hot ensuring that the oil is not too hot – to test this you can add a small ball of the batter into the pan, and it should rise with tiny bubbles surrounding it
• Gently add the pakoras into the pan using a tablespoon or your hands – there should be tiny bubbles surrounding them – and allow them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown before flipping and allowing to cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the other side
• Serve alongside a dip of homemade green chutney and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 437mgPotassium: 263mgFibre: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 251IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Food, Fried, Indian, Onion, Onion Pakora, Pakora, Ramadan, Recipe, Starters, Street Food

Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!