Bread pakora

Indian fried snack made with bread and gram flour

Bread pakora is a popular Indian snack made by deep-frying slices of bread coated with a seasoned gram flour batter. It is a common street food in India and is often enjoyed as a tea-time snack or breakfast item.

Preparation

Bread Pakora stuffed with mashed spicy potatoes

The preparation of bread pakora involves several steps. First, slices of bread are cut into triangles or squares. These slices can be used plain or stuffed with a filling. A common filling is a mixture of mashed potatoes, spices, and herbs.

The batter is made from gram flour (also known as besan), which is mixed with water to form a thick paste. Spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, and asafoetida are added to the batter for flavor. The bread slices, plain or stuffed, are then dipped into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.

Once coated, the bread slices are deep-fried in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. The fried bread pakoras are then drained on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serving

Bread pakoras are typically served hot, accompanied by chutneys such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney. They are also sometimes served with ketchup. The snack is often enjoyed with a cup of chai, making it a popular choice for breakfast or an evening snack.

Variations

There are several variations of bread pakora, depending on the region and personal preferences. Some variations include:

• Stuffed Bread Pakora: Filled with a spicy potato mixture, sometimes including peas or paneer.
• Cheese Bread Pakora: Stuffed with cheese, providing a gooey texture.
• Onion Bread Pakora: Includes sliced onions in the batter for added flavor.

Cultural Significance

Bread pakora is a staple in Indian cuisine, especially in the northern regions. It is a popular choice during the monsoon season, as the hot and crispy snack pairs well with the cool, rainy weather. It is also a common offering during festivals and celebrations.

Related pages

• Pakora
• Samosa
• Bhaji
• Chaat