Paneer Pakoda / Spicy Indian Snack

Paneer pakoda – a yummy spicy snack for a cold evening.

The outer covering of pakoda is firm and and the inside is soft. Paneer pakoda is an ideal Indian appetizer usually had along with a cup of piping hot tea or as a cocktail snack or finger food.

Usually a pinch of baking soda is added for a fluffier pakoda I have avoided it. A pinch of chat masala is sprinkled on the hot pakoda to add extra taste.

Recipe adapted from: Sujitha Easy Cooking
Ingredients:
Paneer – 6 slices
Bengal gram flour – 4 tsps
Rice flour – 1 tsp
Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida – a small pinch
Salt to taste

Method:Shallow fry paneer so it firms up a bit and becomes golden brown.
Make a thick batter with the rest of the ingredients adding few tsps of water and mix well until there are no lumps. Dip the paneer in this batter and deep fry it in medium hot oil until both sides are golden brown.
Drain the fried paneer pakoda on a paper towel and serve immediately with green chutney or tomato ketchup along with masala chai.