Paneer Pakoda is a popular Indian snack made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) coated in a spicy batter and deep-fried until crispy. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious Paneer Pakoda:

Ingredients:

• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes or rectangles
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed to make a batter)
• Oil for deep frying
• Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped (for garnish)
• Mint chutney or ketchup (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients and whisk until you achieve a smooth batter with a thick consistency. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter. Set it aside for 10-15 minutes to rest.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat for frying.
4. Dip each paneer cube into the prepared batter, coating it well on all sides.
5. Carefully drop the coated paneer cubes into the hot oil and fry them in batches. Fry until the pakodas turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them occasionally for even frying. Remove the fried paneer pakodas from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil.
6. Repeat the process until all the paneer cubes are coated and fried.
7. Garnish the paneer pakodas with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
8. Serve hot paneer pakodas with mint chutney or ketchup as a dip.

Paneer pakodas are best enjoyed immediately while they are still crispy. They make a fantastic tea-time snack or a delightful appetizer for parties and gatherings. Enjoy!