Veg Indian Recipes

'Paneer' or Indian Cottage Cheese is a very popular ingredient in North Indain cuisine. North Indians will swear by their 'paneer', and there are a thousand recipes from Snacks to Curries and desserts which are made entirely with the versatile 'Paneer' as the main ingredient.

Paneer Pakoda (Fritters) is a very popular hot snack all over India and is very easy and quick to make. Most high tea parties in Indian homes will feature this delicacy served with tomato ketchup or a favorite Chutney (dip).

Paneer Pakoda (Indian Cottage Cheese Fritters)

Ingredients:

250 grams pressed block of Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
250 gms Gram Flour (Besan)
1 teaspoon Indian Garam Masala powder OR 1 teaspoon Indian Curry paste
1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Turmuric powder (optional)
A pinch of baking powder
125 ml water (to make batter)
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Method:

Cut the block of 'Paneer' into 8-10 finger sized long cubes. Now in a mixing bowl mix the gram flour, Garam Masala powder, red chilli powder and baking powder. Add the water slowly, stirring continously until a thick batter of pouring consistency is ready. Add salt to taste.

Now in a deep frying pan, heat oil for frying. When the oil is hot, dip and coat the paneer cubes in the gram flour batter and drop the cubes in hot oil. Reduce the flame to simmer and fry till paneer pakodas are golden brown. Remove pakodas and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve hot with tomato ketchup or your favorite Chutney or dip.

Makes 10 pakodas (fritters).