Heart-Healthy Veggie Pakora

Transform your snack game with these Heart-Healthy Veggie Pakoras, a guilt-free twist on the classic Indian favorite! Made with nutrient-packed chickpea flour and a vibrant medley of fresh spinach, carrots, red onion, and cilantro, these baked pakoras are bursting with flavor and wholesome goodness. Spiced with aromatic turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, they deliver a satisfying crunch without the deep frying, thanks to a light olive oil spritz and oven baking. Perfect as a nutritious appetizer or savory snack, these pakoras are low in oil, high in plant-based protein, and completely customizable with optional green chili for a hint of heat. Serve them warm with mint chutney or creamy yogurt for a heart-healthy treat that’s as indulgent as it is nourishing.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 cup (packed) Baby spinach
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 1 small Green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 1 small spritz Olive oil spray (optional for baking)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 3

Add the spinach, grated carrot, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and green chili (if using) to the bowl with the dry mix.

Step 4

Slowly add the water and lemon juice while stirring to form a thick batter. Ensure that all the vegetables are coated and the mixture holds together. Add an extra tablespoon of water if necessary, but avoid making the batter too runny.

Step 5

Spoon small portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming rough patties or clusters. Leave some space between each pakora.

Step 6

Optional: Lightly spray the tops of the pakoras with olive oil for enhanced crispiness.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping.

Step 8

Once golden brown and firm, remove the pakoras from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Serve warm with a side of mint chutney or plain yogurt as a dip for a heart-healthy treat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	503.1 grams (503.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	595

Total Fat 9.90g	13%
Saturated Fat 1.10g	6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1502mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate 95.60g	35%
Dietary Fiber 20.50g	73%
Total Sugars 20.80g
Protein 32.50g	65%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225mg	17%
Iron 13mg	72%
Potassium 1546mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.8%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 63.6%