Step 1

In a pan, Boil enough water with salt.

Step 2

Break or chop the cauliflower in medium sized florets.

Step 3

Rinse them well and add them to the boiling water.

Step 4

Switch off the flame and let the cauliflower florets be immersed in the water for 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 5

Drain the water from the cauliflower florets. In a pan marinate the cauliflower with red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala powder. Mix very well and keep aside for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 6

In another bowl, make a smooth batter with the besan/gram flour, asafoetida, baking soda or baking powder, salt and water.

Step 7

Next add carom seeds to the batter and mix well.

Step 8

Heat oil in a kadai or deep fryer. You can use any neutral tasting oil with a high smoking point.

Step 9

Take each marinated cauliflower and dip in the batter.

Step 10

Coat each floret evenly with the batter and add them carefully in the medium hot oil.

Step 11

When one side becomes slightly crisp and the batter firms up then turn over with a slotted spoon and continue to fry the other side.

Step 12

Fry till the cauliflower fritters are crisp and golden evenly. You will have to turn the pakora a couple of times for even frying.

Step 13

With a slotted spoon remove the pakoda and drain as much oil as possible. Then keep them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 14

Serve the cauliflower pakoda hot or warm with any green chutney or sauce, sprinkled with chaat masala, lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves. You can also have them with roti or stuff them between bread slices or dinner rolls.