Pakora

Pakora is a popular South Asian fritter made by deep-frying a spiced batter of gram flour (besan) mixed with vegetables, herbs, or sometimes meat. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and is a beloved street food and snack, especially during monsoon seasons and festivals. The batter typically includes ingredients like onions, potatoes, spinach, or cauliflower, seasoned with spices like turmeric, chili, and cumin.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Pakora is generally high in fat and carbohydrates due to the deep-frying process and gram flour base, with a moderate amount of protein from the flour and any added ingredients. A single serving (about 100g) can range from 250-350 calories, providing some dietary fiber, iron, and B vitamins from the gram flour, but it is not a low-calorie or low-fat option.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	450 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Iron	2 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Vitamin A	150 IU
Phosphorus	80 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Folate	30 µg

Per 1 cup (100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, pakora is deeply tied to monsoon rituals in South Asia, where it's enjoyed as a comforting, crispy snack paired with tea. Nutritionally, while it's indulgent, using gram flour (a good source of plant-based protein and fiber) and vegetables can make it a more nutrient-dense fried snack compared to many others.