How to Make Indian Pakoras and Samosas at Home

Indian Pakoras and Samosas are popular snacks that are not only delicious but also a great way to impress guests with your culinary skills. Making them at home can be both fun and rewarding. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these savory treats effortlessly.

How to Make Pakoras

Pakoras, also known as bhajis, are crispy fritters made with various vegetables coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter. Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water (as needed)
  • Vegetables (potatoes, onions, spinach, or cauliflower), sliced or chopped
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ajwain, and salt.
  2. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients to form a thick batter. The consistency should be such that it coats the vegetables well.
  3. Add the chopped vegetables into the batter and mix until they are evenly coated.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter-coated vegetables into the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Remove the pakoras with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.

How to Make Samosas

Samosas are triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas, wrapped in a crispy dough. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Water (as needed to knead the dough)
  • 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and oil or ghee. Mix well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  2. Add water gradually and knead the flour into a smooth, firm dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by heating a little oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  4. Add the boiled mashed potatoes, green peas, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  5. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin oval or circle.
  6. Cut the circle in half to form two semi-circles. Take one semi-circle, and shape it into a cone by folding one edge over the other and sealing the edge with a little water.
  7. Fill the cone with the prepared potato filling, then seal the open edge by pressing it together with your fingers.
  8. Repeat this process for the remaining dough and filling.
  9. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the samosas in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
  10. Drain excess oil using paper towels and serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

Tips for Perfect Pakoras and Samosas

To ensure your pakoras and samosas turn out perfectly: