Who says you need onion and garlic to enjoy a delicious pakoda? These Jain-style pakodas are light, crispy, and packed with flavor – making them ideal for those who follow a Jain diet or are observing a no-onion-no-garlic fast. Whether it’s a cozy monsoon evening or you’re just in the mood for a quick savory snack, this recipe hits the spot.

These fritters are made with simple ingredients and require minimal prep time. Serve them hot with green chutney or tamarind sauce and enjoy a guilt-free treat!

What Makes Jain Pakoda Special?

No onion, no garlic – completely satvik
Quick and easy to prepare
Crispy on the outside, soft inside
Perfect snack for Jain festivals and vrat (fasting)
Great with tea or as an appetizer for guests

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes (boiled & mashed) – 2 medium
Raw banana (boiled & mashed) – 1 medium
Green chillies (finely chopped) – 1-2 (adjust to taste)
Ginger paste – 1 tsp (optional for Jain diet variation)
Coriander leaves (chopped) – 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
Black pepper powder – ¼ tsp
Sendha namak (rock salt) – to taste (or regular salt)
Arrowroot powder or singhara flour – 2-3 tbsp
Oil – for deep frying

How to Make Jain Pakoda – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, mashed raw banana, chopped green chillies, cumin seeds, black pepper powder, coriander, and rock salt.
Add arrowroot powder and mix well to form a firm dough-like consistency. Adjust flour to bind if needed.

Step 2: Shape the Pakodas

Grease your hands lightly and shape small portions of the mixture into round or oval pakoda shapes.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan. Once hot, gently slide the pakodas in batches and fry on medium heat.
Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Remove on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Serve your Jain pakodas with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or sweet curd for a complete snack plate.

Tips for Best Results

🌿 You can skip ginger if you’re observing a strict Jain fast.
🥔 Use boiled raw banana and potatoes as the base – they help bind the pakodas well.
🌶️ Adjust green chilli to suit your spice preference.
🧂 Use sendha namak during fasting or vrat days.

Variations You Can Try

Add grated bottle gourd (lauki) for a softer texture.
Mix in sago (sabudana) for a vrat-friendly twist.
Make it in an appe pan with minimal oil for a low-fat version.

Final Thoughts

These Jain Pakodas are proof that you don’t need onion or garlic to create delicious snacks. With the goodness of potatoes and raw banana, lightly spiced and deep-fried to perfection, this recipe is a go-to for Jain households and anyone looking for a sattvic treat.

Perfect for rainy evenings, religious fasting days, or even as a party snack – give this crispy delight a try and see how quickly they disappear from the plate!