Curry Pakora is a popular North Indian and Pakistani dish that combines yogurt-based curry with gram flour fritters (pakoras). Here’s a traditional recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Pakoras
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Water (to make the batter)
- Oil (for frying)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 small potato, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Curry
- 2 cups yogurt (well-beaten)
- 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
- 5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Tadka (Tempering)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional)
- 2 dried red chilies
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
Making the Pakoras
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water to make a thick batter. If using, mix in the thinly sliced onion and potato.
- Fry the Pakoras: Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Preparing the Curry
- Mix Yogurt and Gram Flour: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and gram flour until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Spices and Water: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the yogurt mixture. Gradually add water, mixing continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
Cooking the Curry
- Cook the Mixture: Pour the yogurt mixture into a large pot and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)
- Heat Oil or Ghee: In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds (if using). Let them splutter.
- Add Aromatics: Add dried red chilies, curry leaves, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
Combining
- Add Tadka to Curry: Pour the prepared tadka into the simmering curry. Mix well.
- Add Pakoras: Gently add the fried pakoras to the curry. Let them soak for a few minutes before serving.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
- Accompaniment: Enjoy your Curry Pakora with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Curry Pakora!