Gusto TV Buffalo Veggie Pakora “Wings” with Yogurt Ranch Recipe

Buffalo Veggie Pakora “Wings” with Yogurt Ranch Recipe

If you’re craving the bold, tangy satisfaction of classic buffalo wings but want a lighter, plant-forward alternative, these Buffalo Veggie Pakora “Wings” with Yogurt Ranch are about to become your new favorite appetizer. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe delivers big flavor in minimal time, making it perfect for weeknight snacking, game day spreads, or casual entertaining.

Crispy chickpea-flour pakoras packed with onion, sweet potato, and cabbage are fried until golden, then tossed in a sticky, spicy buffalo sauce made with cayenne hot sauce, butter, and brown sugar. Cooling things down is a creamy yogurt ranch dip infused with dill, garlic, and lime. The result? A crave-worthy vegetarian dish that hits all the notes: crunchy, spicy, tangy, and totally satisfying.

The Inspiration

This recipe takes inspiration from two comfort-food classics: Indian pakoras and North American buffalo wings. Pakoras are traditionally made by coating vegetables in chickpea flour batter and frying them until crisp. Here, that technique is reimagined with familiar buffalo wing flavors, creating a fusion dish that feels both exciting and approachable.

The yogurt ranch dip replaces traditional blue cheese dressing with something lighter and brighter, balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly. It’s a smart, modern take on bar food that doesn’t sacrifice indulgence for simplicity.

Ingredients

For the Pakoras:

1 cup (240ml) chickpea flour (also sold as gram flour or besan)
½ medium white onion
1 small or ½ medium sweet potato
1/2 cup (120ml) cabbage
2 cloves garlic, grated
½ cup (120ml) water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Buffalo Sauce:

1/2 cup (120ml) cayenne hot sauce
1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (29.6ml) brown sugar

For the Yogurt Ranch:

1 cup yogurt
2 tbsp (29.6ml) chopped fresh dill
½ tbsp (7.4ml) onion powder
½ tbsp (7.4ml) garlic powder
2 tsp (9.9ml) lime juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Methods

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy bottomed skillet or wok to 350 F (177 C).
Stir together the yogurt, dried dill, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper and set aside for serving.
Julienne the onion, sweet potato, and cabbage.
Whisk together the chickpea flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the onion, sweet potato, cabbage, and garlic and toss to coat with flour. Slowly add the water while mixing until a thick, pancake-like batter forms. You may need a little more or less water.
Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, scoop tablespoon mounds of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel lined tray to drain.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pot. Add the brown sugar and hot sauce and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Transfer the fried pakoras to a large bowl and toss with the Buffalo Sauce. Serve with Yogurt Ranch for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

These Buffalo Veggie Pakora “Wings” are best served hot and crispy, straight from the pan. Arrange them on a platter with the yogurt ranch in the center for easy sharing. For extra flair, garnish with fresh dill or sliced green onions.

They pair beautifully with cold beverages like sparkling water, light beer, or a citrusy mocktail. Serve them as a standalone appetizer, a game-day snack, or even as part of a vegetarian dinner spread with fresh salads and grilled flatbreads.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Veggie Pakora “Wings” with Yogurt Ranch are proof that vegetarian recipes can be just as bold and indulgent as their meat-based counterparts. With crispy chickpea flour pakoras, spicy homemade buffalo sauce, and a cooling yogurt ranch dip, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Perfect for fans of quick appetizers, fusion cuisine, and plant-forward comfort food, this recipe is an easy win for home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or a creative twist on classic buffalo wings, this Everyday Excellent recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!