Beyond Chicken: Exploring Unique Pakora Varieties with Different Proteins
Pakora is a typical Indian savory snack from Bangladesh or West Bengal region. Commonly, the most popular one is chicken pakora, a batter-coated fried chicken pieces mostly prepared with spicy amchur coating.
However, pakora is much more than chicken already! Although we discussed various different types of pakoras with chicken as a well-known protein, now here in this blog, our team will be talking about some unique varieties of pakora that are made from many other things than chicken.
Vegetable Pakora
Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy a healthier version of pakora. Vegetables used in this pie vary tremendously but potatoes, onions, cabbage and egg evidently are the most accepted vegetable seasonings. The sliced vegetables are dipped into a batter made with gram flour, and deep fried. Vegetable pakora can be enjoyed either alone as finger food that is crispy in texture and flavory. It is a great alternative to chicken pakora if you want something light, crispy as well as healthy. It could go with combinations including mint chutney, tamarind sauce or raita added to flavored mixtures.
Fish Pakora
Frying pakora from fish is a local delicacy preserved in coastal regions of India. Fresh white fish fillets – including tilapia, snapper or cod work perfectly. The fish is sliced or diced and marinated in spices such as turmeric, chili powder, cumin seeds ginger, and garlic paste. The dried fish is also sprinkled with a little lemon juice to make it more palatable.
This is why hot fish pakoras go really well with green chutney. You get amazing fuel to feed your nails of snacking. It is another option you can try other than chicken pakora.
Shrimp Pakora
Another preference is plump shrimp deep-fried in crunchy gram flour batter for frying. The reason shrimp punches above its weight is that it stands up to frying comes out both tender and tasty. However, it can be little difficult to find it in Indian restaurants especially if you are looking for it in regions like Brampton or Mississauga. Shrimp pakora is delicate and can be combined with spices that give a more zesty taste. It can be served with a raita dip, or sweet and sour sauce.
Paneer Pakora
No roundup of Indian fritters would be complete without paneer pakora. Paneer is fresh Indian cheese with a mild flavor that fries up beautifully crisp on the outside while remaining pillowy-soft inside. To make paneer pakora, cube or slice the cheese and coat liberally in the spiced batter. Chutneys, raita or tomato ketchup all pair well for dipping. Add diced bell peppers or piquant green chilies into the batter for extra flavor and crunch. Paneer pakora is reliably delicious and satisfying.
The possibilities for unique pakora varieties are endless. Feel free to get creative with combinations of proteins and vegetables.
Pakora Cooking Tips
Use very hot oil around 350-375°F for frying so the exterior gets crispy before the interior overcooks.
Don't overcrowd the pan so pakoras can fry evenly. Fry in small batches.
Coat items very well in batter to seal in moisture and flavors.
Allow excess batter to drip off lightly coated items before carefully lowering into oil with a slotted spoon.
Fry pakoras for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally until deep golden brown.
Drain fried pakoras on paper towels before serving hot.
Chicken isn't the only ingredient that makes fantastic pakora. From vegetarian varieties with paneer or mixed veggies to seafood and meat versions like fish, or shrimp, pakoras come in all types. Just about any protein coated in the signature chickpea flour batter, then fried crisp turns out delicious. Serve these crispy Indian fritters hot with cooling raita, fiery pickled vegetables, sweet mango chutney or other contrasting sauces. The best combination, however, is pakoras with tea.
If you are looking for Chicken Pakora or Fish Pakora in Brampton, you can enjoy Punjabi Meat Shop’s pakoras. They have a variety of non-veg food offerings including chicken pakora, fish pakora, chicken wings, goat curry, goat achaar, etc. They also offer a combination of chicken curry and rice. It’s always amazing to try something different. You will surely love their cuisine and collection of Indian foods. What unique pakora combination will you fry up next?
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