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Ajwain Patta Ke Pakode

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Tarla Dalal

09 August, 2016

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About Ajwain Patta Ke Pakode

Ingredients

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Ajwain Patta Ke Pakode | Carom Leaf Fritters | Oma Vilai Vadai |

Ajwain Patta Ke Pakode, also known as Carom Leaf Fritters or the South Indian Oma Vilai Vadai, are a traditional and aromatic Indian snack made by dipping fresh ajwain leaves in a spiced besan batter and deep-frying them to crisp perfection. Ajwain leaves have a naturally strong, slightly peppery flavour, and when coated with besan, chilli powder, haldi, and hing, they transform into delicious fritters that are both flavourful and uniquely fragrant. These fritters are crunchy on the outside and soft and herbal on the inside, offering a delightful balance of texture and taste.

The magic of this recipe lies in the ajwain leaves, which not only give a bold, distinctive flavour but also offer strong digestive and medicinal benefits. Ajwain is widely known in Indian households for relieving indigestion, bloating, and throat irritation. When fried into fritters, the leaves lend their warm, soothing flavour to the batter, making the pakode not just tasty but also good for digestion. The addition of a little hot oil in the batter—called moen—helps achieve a crisp coating that puffs up beautifully when fried.

These fritters have deep culinary roots in Indian regional cooking. In North India, they are commonly known as Ajwain Patta Pakora, prepared during rainy evenings or winter tea-time. In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, they are called Oma Vilai Vadai, a temple-style or home-style snack enjoyed especially during monsoon months and festive seasons. The recipe is simple, rustic, and traditionally passed down in households where fresh ajwain plants grow in home gardens or kitchen balconies.

Ajwain Patta Ke Pakode are especially cherished during the rainy season, when the aroma of besan, spices, and fried herbs fills the home. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot Elaichi Tea, ginger tea, or masala chai, making them a comforting monsoon treat. Families often prepare these fritters when guests arrive unexpectedly, as they can be made quickly with basic pantry ingredients. The crispness of the batter and the bold flavour of ajwain leaves make them irresistible, even for those trying them for the first time.

From a taste perspective, these Carom Leaf Fritters offer a unique combination of earthiness from besan, warmth from spices, and sharp herbal notes from ajwain leaves. Unlike regular pakodas made with potatoes or onions, these are lighter on the stomach because ajwain itself aids digestion. The hing in the batter further enhances the digestive properties, making the pakodas ideal for those who enjoy deep-fried snacks but want something easier to digest.

Enjoyed primarily during evenings, rainy days, festive gatherings, or as a special tea-time snack, Ajwain Patta Ke Pakode represent the beauty of simple Indian cooking—where homegrown herbs and everyday ingredients come together to create something incredibly delicious. Whether you call them Ajwain Pakora, Carom Leaf Fritters, or Oma Vilai Vadai, they remain a beloved traditional snack with both flavour and heritage in every bite.