Pakoda, also sometimes referred to as Pakora, is a kind of deep-fried small fritters, which is often coated with a thick spicy batter, usually served as an appetizer or snacks in Indian cuisine. Being a very versatile and popular snack, pakoda often takes in many variations including those made with eggplant, meat, poultry, onions, potatoes, bread, cheese, vegetables, chilies and more. The batter in which the pakodas are dipped before deep frying can be a blend of upto three ingredients like besan or flour, spices, salt, water etc. Pakodas are best eaten as and when they are made, straight or with some dipping sauces like tomato, cilantro etc. Primarily a street food, the popularity of pakodas have taken them straight to five star dining tables, with adventurous cooks always making attempts to come up with interesting variations.
