Gluten Free Vegetable Fritters (Pakora)

Ingredients

Chickpea flour is a staple ingredient in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent. Gluten free cooks know there is a lot to learn about flour and chickpea flour is no different. If you're new to Indian cooking you may also need to add to your spice collection. Consider that part of the fun and I guarantee you'll find more ways to use them.

• Chickpea flour - Chickpeas come in varieties so chickpea flour can have different names. Look for chickpea flour, garbanzo bean flour, gram flour or besan. NOTE: Chickpeas are not beans so avoid bean flours including combinations that have chickpea flour and bean flour.

• Mustard seeds - Popped mustard seeds give a classic Indian taste I love so add them to your panty if you don't have them yet.

• Cornstarch - Helps create a thick batter.

• Poppy seeds, turmeric, cumin, coriander & cayenne pepper - I like this combo and have them all in my pantry. I'm sure there are many variations you can try.

• Baking powder - Helps lighten the batter.

• Vegetables - I especially like the combination of cauliflower and red pepper but anything goes here.

See recipe card for complete list of ingredients.

Instructions: Deep Fryer vs Air Fryer

Deep frying in oil creates the classic golden, crunchy exterior and tender interior. I don't deep fry too often but I have a good system for using my wok and I'm not trying to change it. Many gluten free cooks purchase a deep fryer to enjoy some of the fried foods they can't safely get in restaurants.

Modern cooks have modern tools and that's you Air Fryer people. The hot air method gives a lighter and less greasy fritter but requires a dry-wet-dry method so the batter adheres to the food. This can be more flour or breadcrumbs but if you cook in an Air Fryer you can learn the tricks. The fritters will be slightly different and I'm sure everyone eating them will be happy you made them.

Substitutions & Variations: Fun Food Facts

There are always regional differences to ingredients, methods and names. For everyday cooks a bit of knowledge helps you learn to modify recipe and expand your options.

• Pakora, also spelled pakoda, are typically cut up vegetables mixed into batter creating a rough fritter like you'll make with this recipe.
• Bhajji, also spelled bhajia, refers to individual sliced vegetable dipped in batter so this recipe makes them too.
• Indian Inspired Corn Dogs - I've never tried these but writing this post made me think of this idea.

Get The Tools: Deep Frying at Home

If you've been on the fence about deep-frying at home just pick the option you think would work best for you and get set up.

• If a traditional deep fryer sounds easy and works for you then buy one.
• If an Air Fryer has been on your list but you haven't committed, it's time.
• My system involves a flat bottom wok which I use for more than Asian cooking. The small base with a large surface area at the top requires less oil than a frying pan or pot. Woks are often sold with a long-handled wire strainer which you will need. I store these all together in the cupboard above my fridge. An inexpensive deep frying thermometer is a helpful tool that clips to the rim of the wok and tells you the temperature of the oil.

Act now! Gluten free cooks learn to make some foods at home that they previously enjoyed out and about. It's a mindset shift and many people have made it so you can too.

More Chickpea Flour Recipes

If you bought the flour you'll want more ways to use it. Here are a few of mine.