Step 1

Steam or boil potatoes just until done without making them mushy.

Step 2

You can also boil the potatoes in a cooker for 2 whistles. I prefer to steam them as it is easy to keep an eye.

Step 3

You can skip green peas. If using then steam the green peas too along with the potatoes.

Step 4

When they are done, peel and mash them well and set aside.

Step 5

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a pan

Step 6

Then saute ginger, green chilies and curry leaves (optional) until it begins to smell good. Turn off the stove.

Step 7

Add red chili powder, garam masala and turmeric. Mix well.

Step 8

Transfer mashed potatoes, peas, half teaspoon salt and coriander leaves. Squeeze some lemon juice if you like. Mix everything well. Taste test and add more salt if needed.

Step 9

Arrange 3 bread slices on a chopping board or plate.

Step 10

Optional - If you have green chutney or sauce, you can also smear that to one or both the slices.

Step 11

Place the potato masala over 3 bread slices. Cover each slice with another one.

Step 12

Press gently and cut each sandwich to 2 triangles. Set these aside.

Step 13

Heat oil in a pan for shallow or deep frying. You can use as less as possible if using a nonstick pan.

Step 14

While the oil heats prepare the batter. In another bowl, mix together besan, ajwain, red chili powder, salt, rice flour and turmeric.

Step 15

Pour water just enough to make the batter that is neither too thick nor too thin. It must be similar to the mirchi bajji batter.

Step 16

Check if the oil is hot by dropping a little amount of batter in the oil. The batter has to rise without browning. This is the right temperature.

Step 17

Do this only when the oil is ready to fry. Place each sandwiched bread in the batter and gently coat it with the batter on both the sides. You may need to use both your hands.

Step 18

Swipe off the excess batter and Gently slide this to the hot oil and do not disturb it for a minute.

Step 19

You can add 2 or more pakoras in one batch depending on the size of your pan.

Step 20

Fry bread pakora on a medium heat until golden on one side. Then turn them to the other side and fry till both the sides turn crisp and golden. Remove to a colander or kitchen tissue.

Step 21

Ensure the oil is moderately hot and not extremely hot before you fry the next batch of bread pakora. If needed reduce the heat/flame before adding the next one.

Step 22

Serve bread pakora hot or warm with green chutney or sauce.

Step 23

For the air fryer method make the batter slightly thick and dip your potato filled sandwiches in the batter. Coat them with the batter on both the sides. Gently shake and place on the parchment paper.

Step 24

Air fry at 200 C or 400 F for 8 mins. Gently loosen and remove with a wooden spatula and turn it to the other side. Air fry for another 6 to 7 mins. Adjust the timings slightly. The bread pakora covering has to turn golden and crisp.