If you’re a fan of crispy and flavorful fried foods, you’re sure to love chicken pakora. This popular Indian snack is made by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a blend of spices and chickpea flour, then frying them until golden brown. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of chicken pakora, how to make it at home, and some tips for serving and enjoying this delicious snack.
History of Chicken Pakora:
Pakora is a popular snack in the Indian subcontinent, and is typically made with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, and spinach. However, chicken pakora is a relatively new addition to the pakora family. It’s believed to have originated in India in the 20th century, and has since become a popular street food and restaurant dish.
How to Make Chicken Pakora:
To make chicken pakora, you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chickpea flour (also known as besan)
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the chickpea flour, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Gradually add the water to the bowl, stirring constantly, until a smooth batter forms.
- Add the chicken pieces to the batter and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pakora from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process until all the chicken pieces are cooked.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying Chicken Pakora:
- Chicken pakora is best served hot and crispy, so try to serve it as soon as it’s fried.
- You can serve chicken pakora with a variety of dipping sauces, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even ketchup.
- For a healthier twist, you can bake the chicken pakora instead of frying it. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake the chicken pakora for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- If you want to get creative, you can also try adding other ingredients to the chicken pakora batter, such as grated cheese, chopped onions, or minced green chilies.
Conclusion:
Overall, chicken pakora is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer for a party or a tasty snack to enjoy on a lazy weekend, chicken pakora is sure to satisfy your cravings for something crispy and flavorful.
