Bread Pakora is a popular Indian street food and snack made by sandwiching a spiced potato filling between bread slices, dipping the sandwiches in gram flour batter, and deep-frying until crispy. The crispy exterior contrasts with the soft, flavorful potato filling, creating a delightful combination. It’s often served hot with chutney or sauce, making it a favorite tea-time snack or appetizer in many households and street-side stalls across India.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Bread Pakora:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (boiled, peeled, and mashed)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger (finely grated)
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- Oil for sautéing
For the Batter:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- Oil for deep frying
Other:
- 10-12 bread slices (white or whole wheat)
- Green chutney or tamarind chutney for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
- Add grated ginger, chopped green chilies, and sauté for a minute.
- Add mashed potatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, red chili powder, asafoetida, baking soda (if using), and salt. Gradually add water while whisking to form a smooth, lump-free batter with a medium-thick consistency. Set it aside.
- Assemble and Fry:
- Take two slices of bread for each pakora.
- Spread a generous amount of the prepared potato filling on one slice and cover it with the other slice to form a sandwich.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Dip each sandwich into the gram flour batter, ensuring it’s coated well on both sides.
- Carefully slide the coated sandwich into the hot oil. Fry until both sides turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried bread pakoras using a slotted spoon and place them on kitchen paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve:
- Cut the fried bread pakoras diagonally or into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or your favorite sauce.
Tips:
- Ensure the potato filling is well-spiced and seasoned to your taste preferences.
- The batter consistency should be thick enough to coat the bread slices but not too thick or too thin.
- Adjust the spice levels in the filling and batter according to your preference.
- Fry the bread pakoras on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Enjoy these delicious Bread Pakoras as a snack or appetizer with your favorite chutney!
