To make regular paneer pakoras, make a dry marinade for the paneer by mixing all the masala ingredients in a bowl. Add the cubed paneer to this and toss. Ensure that the powder coats the paneer pieces and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
To make stuffed paneer pakoras, cut the paneer into triangles (as shown in the video above). Spread some chutney on one slice and place another triangle on top to make a sandwich. Remove any excess from the sides. Repeat with all the paneer and set aside.
Make the pakoda batter in another mixing bowl. First add the besan, rice flour, chilli powder, hing, salt, ginger garlic paste, baking soda and mix well. Once these ingredients have combined, add water little by little to make a thick but runny batter. The consistency should be slightly thick so that it can hold the paneer cubes and coat them well.
On a medium flame, heat oil for frying in a kadai. Dip the prepared paneer (marinated and/or sandwiched), one by one, in the batter and drop them into the hot oil. Fry till it is golden brown in colour, about 2 - 4 minutes, turning them halfway to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Remove from the kadai and place it into a colander or a paper towel so the excess oil gets absorbed. Sprinkle some chaat masala and serve hot with some mint chutney or ketchup!
Video
Notes
To make the pakoras crispy, along with besan, I add a bit of rice flour in the batter. I would advise not to skip it.
A tiny pinch of baking soda in the batter keeps it crisp and fluffy.