Potato Cheese Pakora Recipe – Spicy Indian Snacks with Besan Batter

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Potato Cheese Pakora Recipe – Spicy Indian Snacks With Besan Batter

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good snack. And honestly, is there anything more satisfying than a crispy, golden pakora? Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite – Potato Cheese Pakora! These aren’t your average pakoras; the melty mozzarella inside takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. I first made these for a Diwali party and they were gone in minutes! Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Potato Cheese Pakoras are seriously addictive. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and that cheese pull? Chef’s kiss. They’re perfect for a rainy day, a party, or just when you need a little something special to brighten your day. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to Indian cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden beauties:

• 2 big Potatoes (about 500g)
• 50 gms Mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1 Green chilli, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 0.25 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp Coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0.5 tbsp Cumin/Jeera
• 0.5 cup Chickpea flour/Besan
• 0.5 tbsp Red chilli powder (for the batter)
• 1 pinch Cooking soda

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Potatoes: Choosing the Right Variety

I prefer using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. They mash beautifully and hold their shape well. About 500g of potatoes will give you a good yield.

Mozzarella Cheese: Substitutions and Regional Variations

Mozzarella is my go-to for that perfect stretch, but you can experiment! Paneer (Indian cheese) is a fantastic traditional substitute. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a little cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Spices: The Blend of Red Chilli & Turmeric

The combination of red chilli powder and turmeric isn’t just about heat and color. Turmeric adds a lovely earthy flavor and is known for its health benefits too! Feel free to adjust the red chilli powder to your spice preference.

Chickpea Flour/Besan: Quality and Alternatives

Good quality besan is key for a crispy batter. Make sure it’s fresh and doesn’t smell stale. If you can’t find besan, you could use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Cumin/Jeera: Fresh vs. Ground

I love using freshly roasted and ground cumin seeds for the best flavor. But ground cumin works perfectly well too – about 0.5 tbsp.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, boil the potatoes until they’re soft. Once cooled, peel and mash them well.
2. Now, in a bowl, add the mashed potatoes, green chilli, 1 tbsp red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and cumin. Mix everything together really well.
3. Let the potato mixture cool completely. This is important! Once cool, take a small portion and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and shape it into a ball. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used.
4. In another bowl, prepare the batter by mixing the chickpea flour, 0.5 tbsp red chilli powder, and a pinch of cooking soda with water to a coating consistency. It shouldn’t be too thick or too runny.
5. Heat oil for deep frying. Dip each potato ball into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Carefully drop them into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the pakoras with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the pakoras. Otherwise, they’ll absorb too much oil.
• A little pinch of baking soda in the batter helps make the pakoras extra crispy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Potato Cheese Pakora

Swap the mozzarella for a vegan cheese alternative. There are some really good ones available now!

Gluten-Free Potato Cheese Pakora

Besan is naturally gluten-free, so you’re already halfway there! Just double-check that your spices are also gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture or increase the red chilli powder. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped Serrano pepper for an extra kick!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi)

These are always a hit during festivals! For Diwali, I like to arrange them beautifully on a platter with different chutneys. During Holi, they’re a fun snack to enjoy while playing with colors.

Serving Suggestions

These are best served hot and crispy! I love them with:

• Mint-Coriander Chutney
• Tamarind Chutney
• Ketchup (sometimes you just crave it!)
• A sprinkle of chaat masala

Storage Instructions

Honestly, these are best enjoyed fresh. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of oil is best for deep-frying pakoras?

I recommend using a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Can I make the potato filling ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can make the potato filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape the balls right before frying.

How do I prevent the pakoras from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, draining them on paper towels helps remove excess oil.

What chutneys pair well with potato cheese pakoras?

Mint-Coriander Chutney and Tamarind Chutney are classic pairings. But don’t be afraid to experiment!

Can I bake these instead of deep-frying?

You can try baking them, but they won’t be as crispy. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy these delicious Potato Cheese Pakoras! I hope they become a favorite in your home too. Let me know in the comments how they turn out!