Mediterranean Diet Veggie Pakora

Crispy, golden, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, these Mediterranean Diet Veggie Pakoras are a wholesome twist on the classic Indian snack. Made with nutrient-rich chickpea flour and fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrot, red onion, and spinach, these fritters are spiced to perfection with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Shallow-fried in heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, they achieve the perfect balance of crunch and flavor without compromising on health. Whether served with a tangy yogurt-tahini dip or a zesty squeeze of lemon, these gluten-free, plant-based pakoras make an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s both satisfying and Mediterranean diet-approved. Quick to prepare and bursting with wholesome ingredients, these veggie pakoras are sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chickpea flour (besan)
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 medium Zucchini, grated
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 0.5 medium Red onion, finely sliced
• 1 cup Fresh spinach, chopped
• 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil (for shallow frying)
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.

Step 2

Slowly add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick but pourable.

Step 3

Add the grated zucchini, grated carrot, sliced red onion, chopped spinach, and chopped cilantro to the batter. Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated in the batter.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow frying pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, flattening them slightly to form small fritters. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

Cook each pakora for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.

Step 7

Use a slotted spoon to remove the pakoras and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 8

Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more olive oil to the pan if needed.

Step 9

Serve the Mediterranean Diet Veggie Pakoras warm with a side of yogurt-tahini dip or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	793.4 grams (793.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1093

Total Fat 65.10g	83%
Saturated Fat 8.90g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2810mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 104.90g	38%
Dietary Fiber 24.20g	86%
Total Sugars 25.60g
Protein 36.00g	72%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 268mg	21%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 2531mg	54%

*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: 51.0%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 36.5%