Because what's better than cozying up with a plateful of guilt-free fritters (pakoda) on a rainy day?

As the monsoon season sweeps across the land, bringing a symphony of raindrops and the aroma of petrichor, we find solace in the culinary wonders that make this season even more enchanting and not to forget tasty. And what better way to celebrate the rain than indulging in a plateful of Vegan Pakoda, those delightful Indian fritters that are an absolute monsoon must-have!

Vegan Pakoda: The Crispy, Flavorful Bites of Joy!

If you're new to the world of Vegan Pakoda, hold on tight because you're in for a treat! These crispy, golden nuggets of delight are made by batter-coating a variety of vegetables and deep-frying but since we don’t want to harm our health, we will be using an appam pan to fry them without changing the authentic taste.

Spice up your Rainy Season with Indian Fritters that are Veggie-tastic and Drool-worthy! How to Make Vegan Pakoda? Let's Dive into the Delicious Details–

Ingredients (because we need them, duh!):

• 1 cup chickpea flour (because who needs gluten anyway?)
• ½ cup rice flour (for that extra crispiness)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (we won't judge if you shed a tear or two)
• 1 small carrot, grated (let's sneak in some veggies, shall we?)
• A handful of chopped coriander​ leaves (since we started inviting veggies, why not innocent coriander, right?)
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (spice up your life, literally)
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped (because we're fancy like that)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (we won't tell if you use more)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (let it add some sunshine to your fritters)
• ½ teaspoon of carom seeds (Indian oregano, kidding)
• ½ teaspoon of cumin powder (who doesn’t love the aroma of cumin)
• Salt to taste (because, well, it needs some seasoning)
• Water (just enough to make a thick batter, please note we're not building a swimming pool here)
• Oil for greasing (we are not deep frying it, have faith in us!)

Instructions (brace yourselves for the rollercoaster of flavors!

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, chopped onion, grated carrot, green chilli, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, cumin powder, carom seeds and a pinch of salt or as per your taste. Mix it all up like you're making a treat for your taste buds. Feel free to sing along; it enhances the taste (not scientifically proven, but trust us).
2. Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring continuously. The consistency should be thick enough to coat your veggies and create that magical fritter texture. If you mess up, don't worry; just pretend you were going for a soupy version or you can just add more chickpea flour.
3. Preheat your appam pan because we're about to give these fritters a guilt-free makeover! 
4. Grease a baking tray or air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent sticking. 
5. Scoop a spoonful of the batter onto the tray or basket, making little fritter shapes. Arrange them like they're about to win a beauty pageant. Give them enough space to breathe, just like your soul needs some breathing space after a long day.
6. Heat the appam pan, grease it with olive oil and pour your fritters using spoon into round section of pan. Flip them after 2-3  minutes to other side once they’re golden brown, using spoon take them out.
7. Once they're ready, serve these heavenly fritters hot with some green (mint and coriander leaves) chutney. Don't be shy; double dipping is highly encouraged! Oh, and make sure to take a moment to savor the aroma and let it transport you to a food coma nirvana.

Watch Healthy moong dal pakoda recipe made by Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram. Click here!

The result? A heavenly amalgamation of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds do a happy dance and you will literally thank us. Thank us on info@ayushakti.com 

Remember, life is too short to deprive yourself of delicious food, especially when it's guilt-free and bursting with flavors. Bon appétit!

As you indulge in the crispy, flavorful magic of Vegan Pakoda this monsoon, don't forget to take care of your overall well-being. Ayushakti Ayurved is here to guide you on your journey to holistic health. Book an appointment today and discover the power of Ayurveda to enhance your well-being, not just during the monsoons, but throughout the year!