This Easy Homemade Pakora Mix takes 2 minutes to make with just 5 ingredients, and ensures perfect pakoras every time without any guesswork.
Pakoras are a staple in many Pakistani and South Asian households, especially during the month of Ramadan when they make the most popular item on Iftar tables. However, it can be a bit tricky to get their seasoning perfect every time, especially when making them while fasting. That's why I love to make this mix at the beginning of every Ramadan, and strongly recommend you do, too!
Read the full blog post below for detailed notes, tips, tricks, photos and videos.
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WHAT ARE PAKORAS?
Pakoras are popular South Asian deep fried fritters made with a variety of ingredients, primarily vegetables such as potatoes, onions, and spinach. The vegetables are dipped in a batter made with chickpea flour ("besan") and spices, and deep fried until golden and crispy. They are crispy on the outside, soft on inside, and with a wonderful flavor kick. They are a beloved part of Pakistani and Indian cuisines and enjoyed during rainy days with chai, or festive gatherings such as Iftars in Ramadan.
WHAT IS PAKORA MIX AND WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE IT
A Pakora Mix is a mix of chickpea flour (besan), salt, and spices which can be used to make pakoras whenever needed. It can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry, and has the same shelf life as chickpea flour.
There are many reasons why you should absolutely make a Pakora Mix, especially during Ramadan:
- It is very easy to make. Takes all of 2 minutes to just mix the ingredients together
- It removes the guesswork and ensures perfectly flavored pakoras every time
- It is easy to adjust. Say you make the mix, make pakoras, and they're a bit too salty or not spicy enough. Well, you can just adjust the mix by adding more besan or more seasoning, and next time your pakoras should be great!
- It lasts a long time! In an airtight container in a cool cabinet, it should last as long as besan itself
INGREDIENTS IN PAKORA MIX
The beauty of a homemade Pakora Mix is that you can make it exactly how you like to make pakoras.
I personally make a very simple Pakora Mix with just 5 ingredients!
- Chickpea flour / Besan - can't have pakoras without this, of course
- Salt
- Chili Flakes - I prefer using these over cayenne or chili powder as they add more heat and a textural element
- Cumin Powder - you can also use cumin seeds if you prefer, just massage them between your palms to release more flavor
- Chaat Masala - now this is my favorite hack for pakoras! Chaat Masala already has different spices mixed in it, with a delicious tangy and spicy flavor. Not only do I like adding it to my Pakora Mix, I also sprinkle some on top of my pakoras after they are fried
Optionally, you're welcome to add Coriander Powder, too!
HOW TO USE PAKORA MIX TO MAKE PAKORAS
Using Homemade Pakora Mix to make pakoras is very easy! There are 2 main types of pakoras, and both are made slightly differently:
Single vegetable pakoras
This is when you cut vegetables, such as potatoes, into thin slices, dip them individually in pakora batter, and fry them.
For this type of pakora, I recommend mixing the Pakora Mix with cold water in a 1:1 ratio to make the batter. So for every ½ cup of the Pakora Mix, add ½ cup of cold water. This will make the perfect consistency which will coat the vegetable without being too thick.
Mixed vegetable pakoras
This is when different vegetables are sliced thinly, mixed with the batter, and spooned into hot oil to make pakoras. For this type of pakora, I recommend mixing the Pakora Mix with cold water in a 2:1 ratio (for example, for ½ cup of the Pakora Mix, add ¼ cup of water). This is because the vegetables will release their own water, too.
Also, don't add too much mix! The vegetables should be lightly coated. This will make the pakoras crispier and let the vegetables shine.
HOW TO STORE PAKORA MIX
Keep the Pakora Mix in an airtight container in your pantry, or any dark and cold cabinet in your kitchen. It should have the same shelf life as
RELATED RECIPES
If you're looking for more Ramadan recipe inspo, check these out:
EASY HOMEMADE PAKORA MIX RECIPE
- Total Time: 2 min
Description
A simple Pakora Mix made with just 5 ingredients guaranteed to make delicious and perfectly flavored pakoras every time!
Ingredients
For every 1 cup of Pakora Mix:
- 1 cup chickpea flour / besan
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tsp chaat masala
- Optional: ½ teaspoon coriander powder
These quantities can be easily scaled up based on how much Pakora Mix you need. For example, to make 4 cups of Pakora Mix, simply multiply all quantities by 4. I typically make 4 cups for my family of 2
Instructions
- Sift all the ingredients into a large bowl to remove any lumps
- Use a whisk to thoroughly mix them together
- Carefully transfer to an airtight container and store in your pantry
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cuisine: Pakistani
N says
Perfect pakora mix recipe, made a double batch. Pakoras were so delicious! Added potatoes, onions and spinach. Air fried the pakoras. Recipe is a keeper, like all your recipes! ❤️
Salima says
do you make gluten free nann or bread
Nida says
Would highly recommend adding ground anardana and coarsely ground coriander seeds also ☺️ I ran out of anardana a few times and added sumac instead. Turned out perfect 😅