Last Updated on May 20, 2020 by Chef Mireille
These gluten free Manipuri Fish Pakora are delicious Indian style Fish Fritters, made with any white flesh fish like flounder, haddock, cod or basa. They make a great appetizer or finger food to serve at parties!
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Have you heard of Manipuri?
Manipuri is a state in northeastern India. Manipuri is one of the 7 states known as the 7 sisters. This is some of the lesser known cuisines, outside of India. Part of the reason is that much of this region is still very tribal and therefore the globalization of their cuisine is virtually non existent. Much of the produce consists of wild greens, not available in other parts of the world.
There are many differences between their cuisine and the rest of India. One of the main reasons is that vegetarianism is not prevalent here, as it is in the rest of India.
Fish is especially prevalent, especially the use of fermented fish called Ngri. It’s also the only part of India, outside of Goa, where pork is commonly eaten. Due to its geographic location, vegetables commonly associated with Central Asian cuisines are utilized here – like taro, bamboo shoots and lotus root.
The two exceptions are Sikkim and Tripuri. Sikkim consists of mainly Tibetan cuisine and Tripuri cuisine is largely Bengali.
All of the states of this region are big rice eaters in all its forms, but beaten rice is very common. Additionally, since this is where the tea plantations are, it is consumed in abundance here.
Caribbean Fish Cakes is a very traditional Caribbean appetizer, required for any party or occasion. While in the Caribbean, fish cakes are made with dried salted cod. This version of fish fritters is much more user friendly, utilizing fresh fish, which is easier to source.
All Pakora (Indian Fritters) are gluten free because chickpea flour (besan) is used instead of all purpose flour as is traditional in American/Western cuisines.
If you would like to check out some more Indian gluten free pakoras, check these out!
Gluten Free Indian Pakoras
How to make Manipuri Fish Pakora – Indian Fish Fritters
I share a lot of the food I cook with my Mom. My Mom is not a foodie by any sense of the word. She only eats because she has to in order to keep on living. She does not get excited over trying new dishes or recipes, so I rarely get a call regarding any of the food I give her. I don’t take it personally; food is just not something that interests her.
These fish pakora were a different story. I immediately received a phone call and she asked, “What did you put in these fish cakes to make them taste so good?” I politely informed her that they were not fish cakes, but Manipuri Fish Pakora and after going over the ingredient list, we realized it was the addition of the besan that gave these a wonderful texture inside that she loved so much.
These came out so delicious. Nice and crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. This is definitely a recipe that I would repeat!
Manipuri Fish Pakora
Ingredients
- 1 lb. flounder fillets
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder cayenne
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook fish in boiling water, until cooked thoroughly, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
- Transfer to a large bowl. Add chickpea flour, chile powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, baking soda, onion and salt.
- Add enough water to make a thick batter, approximately 1/2 cup.
- Mix well.
- Form into 9 evenly sized patties.
- Heat enough oil for shallow frying.
- Place patties in the hot oil and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with your favorite chutney.
Notes
Nutrition
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superb, looks yum
too tempting,Mirielle!!
Initially i want to choose this theme too,but my mind was blank and quit it..Glad to see at ur place this beautiful theme Mir, thats a mouthwatering pakoras.
too good recipe…
When I chose this theme, i had a hard time picking out vegetarian recipes.
Nice to hear that your mom loved this one..
Oh so good to read about Manipur 🙂 Even though I am not a fish person, I still could not resist to get my hands on that crunchy fritter. Lovely post.
Very interesting Mir, yes I was thinking how everybody would select the veg collection..guess we have some innovative bunch of bloggers…these pakoras are sound very good indeed!
The fritters look nice. I didnt know addition of besan makes so much of a difference in taste :)! Great that this recipe is a keeper 🙂
Fish Pakora looks so delicious.. Bookmarking the recipe..
Thanks for the info on the North western states. To be honest, I didn't know about the cuisines of these states till now.
Surprised to hear that your mom is not a foodie.. no.. I'm just kidding.. My whole family is like her–I'm the only one who thinks non-stop about food.. so I completely understand 🙂
Chef Mireille, What can i say , I am surprised to see you getting into this part of the world and making this awesome pakora. I love it . I am on my mission to popularize the north eastern cuisines , some of them being just amazing. I am glad i landed here and will be following you regularly, very interesting and happy
Zeri