How to make pakora mix at home?

To make pakora mix at home, combine gram flour (besan) with essential spices like turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, ajwain, and salt. Mix well and store it in an airtight container. This dry blend becomes your ready-to-use batter base. Just add water and your favorite veggies or proteins, and you’re set for a quick and crispy snack. Discover great ideas like our crispy pakora recipe here .

How to make pakora batter?

To make pakora batter, take 1 cup of your homemade pakora mix and slowly add about ¾ cup of cold water. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thick enough to coat a spoon without dripping but still easy to mix with vegetables or paneer. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes for best results.

What is the main ingredient in pakora?

The main ingredient in any pakora is gram flour (besan) . It's made from ground chickpeas and forms the base of the batter. It gives pakoras their nutty flavor, crisp texture, and golden color when fried. Gram flour is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and easy to digest, making it a popular choice for both traditional and modern pakora recipes.

Can you make pakoras with plain flour?

Yes, you can make pakoras with plain flour (all-purpose flour), but it’s not the traditional choice. Plain flour doesn’t provide the same earthy flavor or crisp texture as gram flour. If using plain flour, consider mixing it with rice flour or cornstarch to add crunch, and boost the spices to enhance flavor. Still, gram flour is the preferred and more authentic choice.

Easy Homemade Pakora Mix – The Best 9-Step DIY Recipe

Name: Easy Homemade Pakora Mix – The Best Guide to Crafting Your Own Crispy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487096H19M41S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups gram flour (besan); 1½ tsp salt; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 2 tsp red chili powder; 2 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds); 1 tsp cumin seeds; ½ tsp baking soda (optional); Optional: 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder); Optional: 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves); Optional: ½ tsp chaat masala

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups gram flour (besan)
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp red chili powder
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp baking soda (optional)
Optional: 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
Optional: 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Optional: ½ tsp chaat masala

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Instructions

Sift gram flour to remove lumps.
Combine all spices, salt, and optional ingredients in a bowl.
Whisk thoroughly to ensure even spice distribution.
Taste by mixing a spoonful with a bit of water to adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer mix into an airtight container; label with date.
To prepare batter: mix 1 cup pakora mix with enough water to form a thick coating consistency.
Add chopped veggies or protein, then fry or air‑fry until golden and crisp.

Notes

Store in a cool, dry place for 2–3 months (best used within 6 weeks if including spices/baking soda). Check for clumps or stale smell before use. Customize with extra spices or flavor add‑ins like chaat masala, cashews, herbs. Use plain flour or gluten‑free blends as alternatives if needed.

Author: F.zahra
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: Depends on use (none for mix)
Category: Dry Mix
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp mix (dry)
Calories: 80
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg