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Victoria Haneveer

Baked Veggie Pakoras

These baked veggie pakoras have crisp, browned edges, a tender center and gentle warmth from classic Indian spices. Grated vegetables give them texture and mild sweetness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 pakoras
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 4 shallots, grated
  • 2 ounces (55g) rutabaga (swede), grated
  • 3 ounces (90g) fresh spinach, chopped, or frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (tomato concentrate or purée in the UK)
  • up to 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
  • 1 pinch each salt, black pepper, turmeric, garam masala and chili powder
  • ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
  • 1 small handful cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped
  • cooking spray, as needed

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Coat a skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, carrot and rutabaga. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and begin to brown.
  3. Add the salt, black pepper, turmeric, garam masala and chili powder. Stir for 1 minute.
  4. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. If using thawed frozen spinach, stir it in and proceed to the next step.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the tomato paste, flour and cilantro. Add the water gradually until the mixture is thick enough to hold in separate mounds.
  6. Divide the mixture into about 8 mounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Spray the tops and sides lightly with cooking spray.
  7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until browned, crisp at the edges and firm in the center.

Notes

  • Drain thawed spinach very thoroughly or the mixture may spread.
  • Add only as much water as needed to make a thick mixture that holds its shape.
  • Keep the pakoras separate on the baking sheet so the edges can brown.