Stuffed bread pakoras

Stuffed bread pakoras are a delicious and popular Indian snack that is perfect for a tea-time treat or as an appetizer for parties. The recipe below will guide you through making these mouthwatering treats:

Ingredients

8 slices of white or brown bread

2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed

1/2 cup crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese)

1/4 cup finely chopped onions

1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum)

2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon chaat masala

1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves

Salt to taste

Water for batter

Oil for deep frying

For the batter:

1 cup gram flour (besan)

1/4 teaspoon red chili powder

A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Salt to taste

Method

In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled and mashed potatoes, crumbled paneer, chopped onions, bell peppers, green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix everything well to form a stuffing mixture.

Take two slices of bread and trim the crusts from all sides. Place a generous portion of the stuffing mixture on one slice of bread and spread it evenly.

Gently press another slice of bread on top of the stuffed slice to form a sandwich. Press the edges to seal the filling properly. Repeat this process to make more stuffed bread sandwiches.

In a deep-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat oil over medium heat for deep frying. While the oil is heating, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, mix gram flour, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt. Gradually add water to the mixture while whisking continuously until you get a smooth, thick batter.

Dip each stuffed bread sandwich into the batter, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Carefully place the batter-coated stuffed bread into the hot oil. Fry the pakoras in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry the bread pakoras until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serve the stuffed bread pakoras hot with green chutney or ketchup. Enjoy your delicious snack!