BAKE WITH ZOHA

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
×
Home » Pakistani

Easy Homemade Pakora Mix

Published: Mar 26, 2024 · Modified: Jan 12, 2025 by Zoha · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

↓ Jump to Recipe

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!

a transparent storage container with pakora mix inside and a white square label on top that says "pakora mix" in a pantry cupboard

Read the full blog post below for detailed notes, tips, tricks, photos and videos.

Jump to:
  • WHAT ARE PAKORAS?
  • WHAT IS PAKORA MIX AND WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE IT
  • INGREDIENTS IN PAKORA MIX
  • HOW TO USE PAKORA MIX TO MAKE PAKORAS
  • HOW TO STORE PAKORA MIX
  • RELATED RECIPES
  • EASY HOMEMADE PAKORA MIX RECIPE

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:

  • 6 chicken tikka paratha rolls on a wooden cutting board garnished with cilantro. Rolls are golden and flakey and filled with red and juicy chicken tikka boti and chutneys. Picture from an angle to show the inside of the rolls
    Chicken Tikka Paratha Rolls
  • bun kababs on a cutting board. one is cut into half and placed sideways to show the potato patty and chutneys inside
    Aloo Bun Kabab
  • overhead image of 12 baked naan buns with a golden color and garlic butter brushed over them
    Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns
  • 9 golden kachoris on a serving stand with sauce on the side
    Pakistani Chicken Kachori Recipe (my Mom's version)
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
a transparent storage container with pakora mix inside and a white square label on top that says "pakora mix" in a pantry cupboard

EASY HOMEMADE PAKORA MIX RECIPE


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Zoha
  • Total Time: 2 min
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

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

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review and tag @bakewithzoha on Instagram!

More Pakistani

  • close up of a batch of paneer tikka naan buns with a shiny golden crust and sesame seeds
    Paneer Tikka Naan Buns
  • vegetable pakoras in a dish. they are golden and crispy. a small bowl of chutney on the side
    Crispy Vegetable Pakoras
  • Close up of three tandoori chicken garlic bread sliders that are being pulled apart from the bread with a cheese pull
    Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
  • overhead partial picture of a round copper pan with bread gulab jamun inside. gulab jamun have a deep golden color and are soaked in syrup
    Easy Bread Gulab Jamun

Comments

    Leave a rating and a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. N says

    January 08, 2025 at 3:28 pm

    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! ❤️

    Reply
girl (zoha) sitting with arm propped on counter, smiling at camera, muffins and brownies in front of her

Hi, I'm Zoha! Self taught home-baker, massive sweet tooth, lover of all things baked and content creator behind Bake With Zoha.

More about me →

Latest

  • 9 sticky banana bread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing spread on 5 of them
    Sticky Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
  • slice of no bake mango cheesecake on a small plate with another in the background. the cheesecake has a golden crust, creamy cheesecake, and mango pulp, and is decorated with mangoes and cream
    No Bake Mango Ice Cream Cheesecake
  • stack of chocolate churro french toast bites on a cake stand, one is in focus and chocolate is oozing out of it
    Chocolate Churro French Toast Bites
  • close up of chocolate pudding cake in a dish with a spoon pulling out a scoop showing the molten pudding fudge sauce on the bottom
    Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake

Popular

  • a close up picture of a slice of cheesecake placed sideways on a small plate with a fork taking out a bite. the cheesecake has a very creamy, silky texture, a crispy golden crust, and whipped cream on top
    The BEST Cheesecake Recipe (New York style)
  • chicken alfredo lasagna in a dish. lasagna has a beautiful golden cheesy crust and is garnished with chopped parsley
    The Best Easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
  • Moist chocolate cake with a shiny chocolate ganache, spatula taking out one slice from the cake
    Easy Chocolate Cake From Scratch (Under 1 Hour!)
  • biscoff tiramisu dessert from the top in a dessert cup with pretty piping of biscoff cream, crushed biscoff cookies, and drizzled cookie butter. a spoon is taking out a bite revealing layers of cream and cookies inside
    Easy Biscoff Tiramisu

Footer

↑ back to top

Connect

About me

Subscribe to my newsletter

Contact me

Policies

Privacy policy

Terms and conditions

Copyright @ Bake With Zoha LLC. All rights reserved.