Vegan Masala recommends
Kadai or deep frying pan
The deep shape gives hot oil and bubbling masala room while keeping stirring and turning manageable.
Paid affiliate link · No extra cost to you


Plant-based Indian recipes, made authentically
vegan-masala.com
information@vegan-masala.com

Vegan Masala Recipe
Bread pakora sandwiches a lively potato-and-pea filling between bread, then wraps it in gram-flour batter and fries it crisp. It is joyful North Indian snack food, especially with green chutney.
Recipe by Craig LogueHow our recipes are created
From the kitchen
This version keeps the filling simple and well seasoned, with crisp bread and a clean besan coating. Serve it soon after frying, while the edges are still firm.
Serving idea
Serve hot with green chutney and a cup of chai, or add ketchup if that is how your table likes it.
Useful equipment
These are optional paid links to useful Amazon UK searches. If you make a qualifying purchase, Vegan Masala may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Vegan Masala recommends
The deep shape gives hot oil and bubbling masala room while keeping stirring and turning manageable.
Paid affiliate link · No extra cost to you
Cook the recipe
Steam or boil 1 ½ cups potatoes until just tender. If using, cook the ¼ cup green peas with them, then drain well.
Peel and mash the potatoes in a bowl. Keep the mash fairly coarse so the filling holds its shape.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add 1 sprig curry leaves, 1 pinch asafoetida, 2 green chilies, and 1 teaspoon ginger paste. Cook briefly until fragrant.
Add ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, and ⅛ teaspoon turmeric. Stir for a few seconds so the spices bloom in the oil.
Add the mashed potatoes, ¼ cup green peas, ½ teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons coriander leaves. Mix well, then finish with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Lay out 6 slices bread. Spread the potato filling on 3 slices, cover with the remaining slices, press lightly, and cut each sandwich into triangles if you like.
In a bowl, mix ¾ cup gram flour, 2 to 3 tablespoons rice flour, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ to ¾ teaspoon carom seeds.
Add water gradually to make a thick, smooth batter that coats the bread without running off too quickly.
Heat oil in a pan for shallow or deep frying. Test a little batter first; it should rise steadily without browning at once.
Dip each bread sandwich in the batter, let the excess drip off, and slide it into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time without crowding the pan.
Cook on medium heat until one side is golden and crisp, then turn and fry the other side. Drain on a rack or paper.
For air frying, make the batter slightly thicker, coat the sandwiches, and place them on parchment. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8 minutes, turn carefully, then air fry for 6 to 7 minutes more until crisp and browned.
Gather everything first
A few useful notes

A practical guide to choosing, storing and cooking seasonal UK vegetables with Indian spices throughout the year.

Simple vegan Indian dishes perfect for beginners starting their cooking journey.

The core spices, lentils, beans, grains, and aromatics worth keeping on hand for everyday vegan Indian cooking.