Preparation of the Cucumber: Start by peeling and finely grating the cucumber. This will help release the moisture from the cucumber and ensure that the pakoras are light and crispy. Once grated, place the cucumber in a cloth or a fine sieve and squeeze out excess water to avoid sogginess in the pakoras. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Preparing the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber with the dry ingredients like gram flour, rice flour (optional for crunch), and the spices of your choice. Add in some finely chopped herbs like coriander or mint if you like. You may also add a pinch of salt, red chili powder, and chat masala for extra flavor. Mix everything together thoroughly until it forms a thick, slightly sticky batter. (Time taken: 8 minutes)
Shaping the Pakoras: Once your mixture is ready, take small portions and shape them into bite-sized balls or ovals, depending on your preference. Make sure the batter is compact and doesn’t fall apart. You can lightly grease your hands to prevent the batter from sticking. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Frying the Pakoras: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai on medium flame. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of batter into the oil – if it rises immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully drop the shaped pakoras into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Serving the Pakoras: Once your Khire Ke Pakore are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with a tangy tamarind dip or mint chutney for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also sprinkle some chat masala or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing! (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Total Time Taken: The entire process should take around 30 to 35 minutes, making it a quick and delightful snack for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal, a get-together, or a mid-day snack, these crispy Khire Ke Pakore are sure to impress!
