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Bread Pakora Recipe (Bread Pakoda)

Vegan Masala Recipe

Bread Pakora Recipe (Bread Pakoda)

Bread Pakora features crispy, golden-brown slices of bread stuffed with a spiced potato filling, creating a satisfying snack. They are delightful when served warm with green chutney or a simple ketchup.

30 minPrep: 15 minCook: 15 minIndianVegan
bread pakodabread pakora

From the kitchen

What to expect

These Bread Pakoras bring together familiar ingredients with a comforting, spiced filling that warms the heart. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Pair these Bread Pakoras with simple sides like a fresh salad or a cup of chai.

Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    Steam or boil 1 ½ cups of potatoes just until tender, avoiding mushiness. If using, steam the ¼ cup of green peas along with the potatoes.

  2. 2

    Once cooked, peel and mash the potatoes, placing them in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and sauté the ginger paste, chopped green chilies, and optional curry leaves until aromatic. Turn off the heat.

  4. 4

    Stir in ½ teaspoon of red chili powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, and ⅛ teaspoon of turmeric. Combine well.

  5. 5

    Add the mashed potatoes, steamed peas, ½ teaspoon salt, and finely chopped coriander leaves to the mixture. Squeeze in some lemon juice to taste and mix thoroughly, adjusting salt as needed.

  6. 6

    Lay out 3 slices of bread on a chopping board. If desired, spread green chutney or your favorite sauce on the bread.

  7. 7

    Spread the potato filling evenly on each of the 3 slices, topping them with another slice of bread. Gently press down and cut each sandwich into two triangles.

  8. 8

    Heat oil in a pan for shallow or deep frying. You can use minimal oil in a nonstick pan.

  9. 9

    In a separate bowl, mix together ¾ cup of gram flour, ½ teaspoon carom seeds, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon turmeric, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add water to create a batter that’s not too thick or too runny, similar to that for mirchi bajji.

  10. 10

    Test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small amount of batter; it should rise without browning. If it does, it's at the right temperature.

  11. 11

    Coat each sandwich in the batter, letting any excess drip off before gently placing it in the hot oil. Fry a few at a time without crowding the pan.

  12. 12

    Cook on medium heat until golden brown on one side, then turn and fry the other side until crisp and golden. Remove and drain on a colander or kitchen tissue.

  13. 13

    Ensure the oil temperature is suitable for each batch; if necessary, reduce the heat before adding more pakoras.

  14. 14

    Serve the bread pakoras hot with green chutney or sauce.

  15. 15

    For an air fryer preparation, create a slightly thicker batter, dip the sandwiches in it, shake off excess, and place on parchment. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8 minutes, flip gently with a wooden spatula, then air fry for an additional 6 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bread
  • 1 ½ cups potatoes (cubed, about 3 medium)
  • ¼ cup green peas (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for tempering)
  • 1 sprig curry leaves (optional)
  • 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 green chilies (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 3 tablespoons 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 for added texture)
  • 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 (ajwain or vaamu)
  • Water (as needed)
  • oil (as needed for shallow or deep frying)

A few useful notes

Notes

  • The bread provides a delightful contrast to the soft, spiced potato filling, while the addition of green peas enhances texture and flavor.
  • Leftover pakoras can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, reheating them in an air fryer for extra crispiness enhances texture.
  • These make a versatile snack or appetizer; feel free to adjust spice levels based on your preference.

Learn the technique