All the crunch, none of the calories – reinvent your rainy-day snack.
Let’s be honest — the moment it starts drizzling outside, we start thinking: “Chai ke saath pakora hona chahiye!” It’s practically a seasonal ritual. But while your heart says “yes,” your stomach — might be begging you to pause.
Deep-fried pakoras, although iconic, come packed with oil, empty calories, and often leave you feeling heavy. But don’t worry — you don’t need to ditch the crunch or the flavour. With just a few smart twists, you can turn your favourite fritters into healthy pakora alternatives that satisfy your cravings without much post-snack guilt.
Here’s your guide to snacks that taste indulgent but are actually nourishing.
Air-fryers have nowadays become a kitchen staple. They let you recreate the crispness of deep-fried pakoras using minimal oil.
Try making:
Why It Works: You still get the golden crunch and earthy flavour of evergreen pakoras — but without much oil.
Made using oats, mashed veggies, and spices, these cutlets are rich in fibre, low in carbs, and pan-fried instead of deep-fried.
Ingredients to add:
Protein-rich and light on digestion, moong dal chillas can be transformed into mini bite-sized fritters. Add chopped veggies and cook them on a non-stick pan — no deep frying required.
Flavour add-ons:
Move over potatoes — sweet potatoes (shakarkand) are loaded with fibre, vitamin A, and natural sweetness. Mash them with spices and shallow fry into golden tikkis.
Top it with:
Why It Works: These are low-GI, gluten-free and energy-boosting — perfect for monsoon evenings.
For leafy green lovers, spinach and sweet corn make a dreamy duo. Mix with besan, ajwain, and light spices. Instead of deep-frying, bake them till golden and crisp.
Pro Tip: Use parchment paper and preheat the oven for best results.
Serve with:
These non-traditional pakoras are ideal for foodies looking for a gourmet twist. Slice bell peppers into rings, stuff with a paneer masala mix, and lightly grill or bake.
Add chaat masala on top and serve hot!
Monsoon weather stirs up both emotions and and appetites. While traditional pakoras will always hold a special place in our hearts, your body will thank you for choosing lighter, nutrient-dense, creative twists. The good news? These healthy pakora alternatives don’t sacrifice taste.
So this monsoon, say goodbye to your guilt, and hello to mindful munching. Crunch on — smartly!
