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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Baked Spinach Cauliflower Pakoras

    Published: Oct 11, 2018 · Modified: Apr 20, 2021 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Vegetable pakoras are a quick and tasty recipe. These baked pakoras combine vegetables with gram flour, turmeric and spices for a healthier (vegan and gluten free) version of the traditional Indian snack or side dish. Perfect with a curry and only 39 calories each! #pakora #vegetablepakora #vegancurry #Indianfood #Currysidedish #glutenfreevegan

    These aromatic Baked Spinach Cauliflower Pakoras combine Indian spices with gram (chickpea) flour to create vegan vegetable fritters. You only need 6 ingredients and 25 minutes for this tasty snack or curry side dish.

    Pakoras on a piece of baking paper.

    Recipe sponsored by e-Visa.

    These Baked Spinach Cauliflower Pakoras are really easy to make and taste great!

    Simply combine the veggies with garam masala spice, turmeric and gram (chickpea) flour and then bake them to create fritters with the vegetables.

    The traditional Indian snacks are normally deep-fried, but these ones are baked, so they are a healthier version of the vegan, gluten-free snack or side dish.

    I absolutely love making them as they're quick, easy and delicious. Perfect alongside a curry.

    Turn your curry into something special by serving these cauliflower pakora on the side. Try them with some mango chutney or a cucumber raita.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Cauliflower pakora are a tasty Indian snack.

    A great way to each cauliflower and spinach.

    Vegan and gluten-free.

    Only 39 calories each.

    These cauliflower pakoras are baked, not fried, making them healthier.

    A great side dish alongside an Indian recipe.

    The pakora are not only a quick and healthy snack, but they're also a great way to reduce waste by using up vegetables.

    FAQs

    How many calories are in spinach pakora? These vegetable pakoras have just 39 calories each!

    Can I cook the cauliflower pakoras in an airfryer? Yes! Add spoonfuls to the basket and cook according to manufacturer instructions.

    How can I make pakora healther? By following this recipe for baked vegetable pakora - they're baked, not fried.

    Can I freeze baked pakora? These pakoras can be frozen in a bag or container for up to 1 month. If freezing a large batch, place baking paper between layers.

    Close up of two pakoras.

    Serving suggestions

    Cauliflower pakora (also known as cauliflower pakoda) are as lovely dipped in a cooling cucumber and mint raita or sweet mango chutney, as they are eaten on their own or alongside a curry.

    Serve with this Bombay Potatoes Recipe as another curry side dish.

    Try a side of pakora with my popular Lentil Dahl alongside Easy Naan Bread.

    Enjoy with Tofu Curry, Rajma Masala (kidney bean curry), Carrot Curry, Paneer Butter Masala, Vegan Butter Chicken or Chickpea Curry.

    Try one of these other curry recipes with your pakora.

    Variations

    Pakora are fantastically adaptable, so you could add in other vegetables.

    Try substituting with frozen peas, aubergine, onions or grated carrot in your pakoda.

    Make your cauliflower pakora in an air fryer instead of oven baking.

    Make them spicier with added finely chopped chilli peppers, chilli powder or dried chilli flakes.

    Overhead shot of two easy vegetable pakoras.

    Disclosure: This Cauliflower Pakoda recipe was sponsored by e-visa. All opionions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make it possible for me to write Veggie Desserts.

    Are you planning a trip to India? 

    e-Visa.co.uk is a modern visa bureau with a clear mission, they want to use streamline the visa process through strong customer service and a great customer experience. Many travellers dread having to arrange their travel documents, and Visa procedures can be cumbersome, however, e-Visa can help with your India Visa. 

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    Cauliflower and Spinach Pakora recipe - a bowl of vegan gluten free vegetable pakora next to a teaspoon of turmeric and sauces.

    Vegetable Pakoras

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    These aromatic Spinach Cauliflower Pakoras combine vegetables, Indian spices and gram (chickpea) flour to create tasty baked fritters. Vegan and gluten-free.
    4.85 from 19 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 12
    Calories 39 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • ¾ cup (100g) gram flour (chickpea flour)
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • ¼ cup (50ml) water
    • 2 cups (250g) cauliflower roughly chopped
    • 1 cup (50g) spinach, chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425F / 220C. Lightly grease a baking sheet or muffin tin with cooking oil.
    • In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, turmeric, garam masala salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the water, adding only enough to make a thick paste. You may need more than the amount in the ingredients list.
    • Add the chopped cauliflower and spinach to the batter and mix thoroughly.
    • Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet, or spoon into muffin cups. Cook for 10 minutes then flip and cook for 7-10 minutes on the other side or until golden. Watch frequently so they don’t burn.

    Notes

    They are as lovely dipped in a cooling cucumber and mint raita or sweet mango chutney, as they are eaten on their own or alongside a curry.
    Try them with my popular Red Lentil Dahl alongside Easy Naan Bread.
    Enjoy with Tofu Curry or Chickpea Curry.
    Pakoras are fantastically adaptable, so you could add in other vegetables.
    Try substituting with frozen peas, aubergine, onions or grated carrot.
    Make them in an air fryer instead of oven baking.
    Make them spicier with added finely chopped chilli peppers, chilli powder or dried chilli flakes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gSodium: 112mgPotassium: 177mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 390IUVitamin C: 11.2mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.7mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

    More Side Dish Recipes

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    • Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
    • Roasted Radishes
    • Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jonathan S.

      March 17, 2023 at 10:58 pm

      5 stars
      I wasn't able to find chickpea flour at my market, nor did I have time to make my own from scratch, so I tried making my pakoras using a mixed almond flour/coconut flour substitute. It didn't hold together very well. I think I might try it with an egg in the mix next time. In spite of my loose results with the wrong flours, they tasted amazing.

      Reply
    2. Christine

      July 20, 2020 at 1:04 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I'm always looking for healthier versions of my family's favorite foods, and this one was a hit! My husband, 19 year old and 12 year old sons loved it!

      Reply
    3. Chen

      July 19, 2020 at 2:03 am

      5 stars
      So delicious and easy to make! My family and I love them.

      Reply
    4. Amna

      March 06, 2019 at 9:31 pm

      5 stars
      If I'm making a large batch, should I freeze them after baking or before?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 07, 2019 at 9:51 am

        Hi Amna, It would be best to freeze them after they've been baked and cooled. I hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    5. Linda

      November 11, 2018 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, this was the perfect side to our curry. I love the fact that they're baked and also kicked them up a notch with a little more spice. Great healthy treat to have on hand.

      Reply
    6. Justine Howell

      October 11, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      5 stars
      WAs looking for something new to try to make with my kids and this is perfect! Looks amazing.

      Reply
    7. Marjory

      October 11, 2018 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      These are absolutely stunning! I love that they are baked and you don't have to deal with messy oil!

      Reply
    8. Lauren

      October 11, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      I can't believe these are only 39 calories each! I've been wanting to experiment with chickpea flour and I will definitely be trying these!

      Reply
    9. Jill

      October 11, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of pakoras but they sound tasty and healthy!

      Reply
    10. Chris

      October 11, 2018 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy looking! I know this sounds like a crazy question, but does it matter whether using baby spinach or not? I want mine to come out with that nice green colour

      Reply
    11. Julia

      October 11, 2018 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      My mom would make something like this when I was a kid but with different spices. These are definitely more flavorful though 🙂 Delish!

      Reply
    12. Claudia Lamascolo

      October 11, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love that these are baked. I try and bake just about eveyrthing or air fry now. Its a change a way of healthy foods for our future looks great!

      Reply
    13. Becca Talbot

      August 30, 2018 at 7:36 pm

      These sound delicious! I really like pakoras - when I visited India back in 2016 with my grandma we did an Indian cookery lesson and learnt how to make them there ☺ x

      Reply
    14. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

      April 13, 2016 at 3:16 pm

      We love to try new cuisines and their recipes. This sounds delicious -- guess we're off to a new adventure and I'm glad they are baked instead of fried.

      Reply
    15. fabfood4all

      April 13, 2016 at 2:39 pm

      I love that these are baked and not deep fried, must try them as my family would love these:-)

      Reply
    16. peter @feedyoursoultoo

      April 13, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      Love this idea. Love working with cauliflower. It is the perfect vehicle to absorb the wonderful spices in your reicpe.

      Reply
    17. Kristen

      April 13, 2016 at 2:12 pm

      I just got some turmeric and am looking for ways to use it! Thank-You!

      Reply
    18. Ali @ Home & Plate

      April 13, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      I've never had Pakoras but they look great. Wish you lived closer so I would just pop over to give them a try. Looks delish!

      Reply
    19. Mark, Compass & Fork

      April 13, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      I love pakoras. I often order them at my local Indian restaurant. However, I have not tried cauliflower and spinach. It looks lovely and I will be trying this.

      Reply
    20. Charlotte

      April 13, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      You make these seem so easy to make! I love the colour pop of the spices on the spoon too 🙂 a beautiful post as always lovely.

      Reply
    21. Rhiannon at VegBurge

      April 13, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      These look so amazing. I am bookmarking this for next time I make a curry!

      Reply
    22. Hannah - Budding Smiles

      April 08, 2016 at 11:44 pm

      These look utterly delicious! I adore pakoras and actually haven't had an Indian meal in ages so I feel one coming on!xx

      Reply
    23. unicornsinthekitchen

      April 08, 2016 at 7:06 pm

      Anything with turmeric and spinach makes me drool! great recipe for a simple weeknight dinner or light lunch! Thanks!

      Reply
    24. annalisanuttall

      April 08, 2016 at 6:32 pm

      That look and taste amazing - i might have to try this. xx

      Reply
    25. Sara- The Organic Dietitian

      April 08, 2016 at 6:22 pm

      Cauliflower has quickly become one of my favorite vegetables to cook with. Another great recipe to add to my rotation.

      Reply
    26. yourcooktoria

      April 08, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      I've never tried anything like it, but these pakoras look so tasty. I am saving this recipe for later!

      Reply
    27. Tracy | Baking Mischief

      April 08, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      I've never tried pakoras before. They look delicious! I love that they are so packed full of different flavors and baked instead of deep fried (though I'm sure deep fried is delicious too 😉 ).

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

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    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

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    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
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    Easter Recipes

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    • Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
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    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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