Bread Pakora

Bread Pakora is a popular Indian street food snack that combines slices of bread dipped in a seasoned chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to crispy, golden perfection. This savory treat is filled with spiced mashed potatoes, giving it a deliciously soft and flavorful center beneath its crunchy exterior. Perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or as a rainy day indulgence, Bread Pakora is comforting and satisfying, especially when paired with tangy chutneys or a hot cup of chai. It’s a quick and easy snack that packs a punch of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

For the batter:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)
• Oil for frying

For the filling:

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the boiled and mashed potatoes with green chili, cumin powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cilantro, and salt. Combine well to create the spiced potato filling.
2. Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, carom seeds, and salt. Gradually add water to form a smooth, thick batter.
3. Assemble the pakoras: Take two slices of bread and spread the potato filling evenly between them, forming a sandwich. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on the size you prefer.
4. Coat the bread: Dip each piece of the bread sandwich into the chickpea batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
5. Fry the pakoras: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the batter-coated bread pieces into the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
6. Serve: Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup, and enjoy with a cup of tea.

These crispy and flavorful Bread Pakoras are a perfect snack for any occasion, offering a delicious blend of textures and spices in every bite!