Bread Pakoras

Why Make This Recipe

Bread Pakora, also known as Bread Pakoda, is a beloved snack in Indian cuisine. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect treat for tea time or as a tasty appetizer. These golden fritters are filled with a spicy potato mixture and are easy to prepare. You can enjoy them with various chutneys for added flavor, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.

How to Make Bread Pakora

Ingredients

• 6 slices bread
• Oil (as needed for shallow or deep frying)
• 1 ½ cups potatoes (cubed – about 3 medium)
• ¼ cup green peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 sprig curry leaves (optional)
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 2 green chilies (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 3 tablespoon coriander leaves (finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or as needed)
• ¾ cup gram flour (besan) (can use coarse besan for crunch)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons rice flour (or cornstarch)
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon carom seeds (or ajwain or vaamu)
• Water as needed

Directions

1. Make Stuffing: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add curry leaves if using. Add the chopped green chilies and ginger paste. Sauté for a minute. Then add the cubed potatoes and green peas. Mix well and cook until the potatoes are soft. Add red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. Mix everything and switch off the heat. Add finely chopped coriander leaves and let the stuffing cool.

2. How to Make Bread Pakora: Take one slice of bread, place a generous amount of the potato mixture in the center, and cover it with another slice. Press down lightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining bread and stuffing.

3. Prepare the batter by mixing gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and carom seeds in a bowl. Add water to make a smooth batter.

4. Heat oil in a pan for frying. Dip each stuffed bread sandwich in the batter, ensuring it is well coated. Carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

5. For Bread Pakora in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Brush the stuffed bread with a little oil and place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through.

How to Serve Bread Pakora

Serve hot Bread Pakoras with a side of mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. You can also pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

How to Store Bread Pakora

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best consumed within 1-2 days. To reheat, you can air fry them again for a few minutes or reheat in an oven until crispy.

Tips to Make Bread Pakora

• Use fresh bread for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing green chilies.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, use coarse gram flour.
• You can add other vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers to the stuffing.

Variation

You can experiment with different fillings, such as cheese or paneer, for a unique twist on the classic Bread Pakora. You can also make it with gluten-free bread and gram flour for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought bread for this recipe?
   Yes, store-bought bread works perfectly for Bread Pakora. Just ensure it is fresh.

2. Can I bake Bread Pakora instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake them in the oven or air fryer for a healthier option, adjusting the time as needed to ensure they become crispy.

3. Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just fill the bread and fry when ready to serve.

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