See recipe Pumpkin Pakoras, Kaddu Pakoda | pumpkin pakora recipe | kaddu pakoda | bhopla pakoras | red pumpkin fritters | with 13 amazing images.

You would have tried pakodas with loads of ingredients ranging from cashew and peanuts to onion and kand. But, have you ever dared to add grated pumpkin to the pakoda mix? Try pumpkin pakora right away and get ready to be amazed.

Yes, the pumpkin pakora is a totally awesome snack, ideal to have with hot tea or coffee in the evening. kaddu pakoda is very easy and quick to make, but has a very appetizing flavour, thanks to the array of common but effective spices and pastes added to the mix.

The enticing aroma of carom seeds, the spicy twang of green chillies, and lots more interesting shades can be noted in every bite of kaddu pakoda. Finally, a sprinkling of chaat masala is the master stroke that seems to boost every other flavour. Enjoy these kaddu pakoda hot and fresh!

Notes on kaddu pakoda recipe. 1. Then add rice flour which provides a very nice crispy texture to the kaddu pakodas on frying. 2. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan, drop bhopla pakoras one piece at a time and deep-fry on a medium flame. Always drop the red pumpkin fritters to be fried from the sides of the pan or else you will be splattered with hot oil.

You can also try other pakoras like : Chinese Pakoras , Rice and Peanut Pakoda or Urad Dal and Onion Pakodas.

Urad Dal and Onion Pakodas

Is Pumpkin Pakoras, Kaddu Pakoda healthy?

No, this is not healthy. Let's see why.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

Red Pumpkin ( kaddu, bhopla) :  A cup of pumpkin cubes fulfils your day’s requirement of Vitamin A (5526 mcg), thus making it a super food for your eyes. Kaddu  can be included in safe amounts or restricted amounts by diabetics. The magical combo of antioxidants and Vitamins A and Vitamin C  create a shield against cancer cells. The antioxidants help reducing LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) from oxidizing and clogging the blood vessels, which if persists would increase the risk of heart disease. Read is pumpkin healthy? 

Besan : Besan has more good fat than whole wheat flour and also higher protein content. Rich in complex carbohydrates and with a low glycemic index, besan is good for diabetics too. Besan is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells (WBC) in the bone marrow. See 10 detailed benefits of besan and why it's good for you. 

Coriander (kothmir, dhania) : Coriander is a fresh herb often used as a flavour enhancer in Indian cooking. It is mainly used as a garnish. This is the best way to use it - no cooking. This preserves its vitamin C content which helps to build our immunity and bring that sparkle to the skin. The antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C and the quercetin present in coriander works towards strengthening our immune system. Coriander is a fairly good source of iron and folate – the 2 nutrient which help in the production and maintenance of red blood cells in our blood. Good for reducing cholesterol and good for diabetics. Read 9 benefits of coriander to understand details. 

Green Chillies : Antioxidant vitamin C in green chillies protects the body from effects of harmful free radicals and prevents stress. It is probably the high fiber which helps in controlling blood sugar levels. This it is a welcome addition to a diabetic diet. Suffering from anaemia? Add green chillies to your list of iron rich foods too. For complete details see benefits of green chilli. 

Benefits of Carom Seeds, Ajwain : carom seeds are good for digestion. Its active compound thymol helps in the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach which prevents indigestion. To overcome stomach pain, acidity, bloating and flatulence ajwain is a very good remedy. Ajwain water is also known to help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Including ajwain in the form of Ajwain Roti will be good for those suffering from high BP. See here detailed benefits of carom seeds, ajwain.

Kashmiri chilli: Like red chillies, Kashmiri chillies also have vitamin C, though in smaller quantites than the fresh red chillies. This helps to boost immunity and improve skin health. They also have minute amounts of copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium and iron along with B vitamins. Small amounts of Kashmiri chilli powder can aid digestion, but more quantity can affect the lining of the digestive tract.

Ginger (Adrak) : Ginger is an effective cure for congestion, sore throat, cold and cough. It aids digestion and relieves constipation. Ginger was found as effective as drugs in relieving menstrual pain. Ginger is effective in decreasing the cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol. Ginger significantly reduces symptoms of nausea in pregnant ladies. See here for 16 Super Health Benefits of Adrak, Ginger.

Garlic : Garlic has been proven to lower cholesterol. The active ingredient allicin present in garlic aids in lowering blood pressure. Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood glucose levels for diabetics. Garlic is great for the heart and circulatory system. Garlic has an antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal function and can help in relieving common cold and other viral infections. To boost your immune system have a garlic clove a day. Garlic is a top anti viral food. The thiosulphate compound, Allicin found in garlic acts as a strong antioxidant and protects our body from damage of free radicals.  Read here for complete benefits of garlic.

What's the problem?

Rice flour (chawal ka atta) : Rice flour is high in carbohydrates, not a good source of protein. Since it is made from polished rice it has no vitamins and minerals. Consumption of rice flour can cause inflammtion in your body and not good for heart patients and diabetics. See full details on is rice flour bad for you? 

Deep fried foods : This recipe is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. Your fat levels increase as deep frying increases oil absorption. Also when you use the same oil again for deep frying then smoking point decreases which leads to the development of blue smoke which is not good for health. Processed food, Deep Fried Foods also increases inflammation in the body and shuts down the fat burning process. Most diseases from heart, to cardio vascular, diabetes, parkinsons, alzheimer, cancer and obesity result when the cells get inflamed and then they don't function correctly. Inflammation in the arteries can cause heart attacks. So your diet should contain foods that fight inflammation in the body. That's how your body gets healthier by eating the right stuff. 

Note : 1 cup = 200 ml (standard cup available in the market). The weight in grams varies for each ingredient.

Can diabetics, heart patients and overweight individuals have Pumpkin Pakoras, Kaddu Pakoda?

No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. This pakoda is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. It also increases inflammation in the body and shuts down the fat burning process. Most diseases from heart, to cardio vascular, diabetes, parkinsons, alzheimer, cancer and obesity result when the cells get inflamed and don't then function correctly. Inflammation in the arteries can cause heart attacks. So your diet should contain foods that fight inflammation in the body. That's how your body gets healthier by eating the right stuff. So you have given the cells in your body the right food to stay healthy and that is so important in staying disease free for the rest of your life.  

Here are some Healthy snack options

You can have Baked Samosa with mixed sprouts, Matarsutir Kachori,  Oats Moong Dal Tikki, Baked methi muthia recipe,  Zunka recipe, moong dal dhokla recipe,  bajra carrot onion uttapam recipe , baked palak jowar murukku, mini jowar pancakes or buckwheat pancake as one healthy recipe option. 

Baked Samosa with Mixed Sprouts, Healthy Snack

Can healthy individuals have Pumpkin Pakoras, Kaddu Pakoda?

No. 

One Pumpkin Pakoras, Kaddu Pakoda is high in

1. Protein : Protein is required for the managing the wear and tear of all cells of the body. 

2. Fiber : Dietary fiber reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent the spike in blood sugar levels and hence super for diabetics. Consume more fruits, vegetables, moong, oats, matki, whole grains.

3. Vitamin B1 : Vitamin B1 protects nerves, helps in carbohydrate metabolism, prevents heart diseases and helps produce red blood cells.

4. Vitamin B3 (niacin) : Vitamin B3 helps in brain functioning and mental health. Also healthy skin formation.  

5. Folic Acid : Folic acid is an essential vitamin required throughout pregnancy.

6. Iron : Iron is essential in the chemical reactions that produce energy from foods. Eat more greens and garden cress seeds to prevent you from being anaemic. Here are the top 7 sources of iron rich foods. 

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 299 calories that come from one Pumpkin Pakoras, Kaddu Pakoda?

Walking (6 kmph) = 1 hour 30 mins
Running (11 kmph) = 30 mins
Cycling (30 kmph) = 40 mins
Swimming (2 kmph) = 51 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.