Veg Hara Bhara Kabab is a popular vegetarian Indian appetizer or snack made with a variety of vegetables such as spinach, peas, potatoes, and carrots. The name “Hara Bhara” literally means “green and fresh” in Hindi, and the kababs are often green in color due to the use of spinach and other green vegetables.
To make Veg Hara Bhara Kabab, the vegetables are first boiled and mashed, and then mixed with a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This mixture is then shaped into small patties or kababs, which are typically coated in bread crumbs and shallow-fried or baked until crisp and golden brown.
Veg Hara Bhara Kabab is a popular vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based kababs, and is often served with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for added flavor. It is also a nutritious and healthy snack, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the various vegetables used in the recipe.
Ingredients for Veg Hara Bhara Kabab
- 2 cups spinach leaves, washed and finely chopped
- 1 cup green peas, boiled and mashed
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions for Veg Hara Bhara Kabab
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, mashed green peas, chopped spinach, grated carrots, bread crumbs, and gram flour.
- Add in the chopped green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste. Mix well to form a smooth mixture.
- Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into small patties or kababs. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used up.
- Heat oil in a shallow frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the kababs into the oil and fry them on medium heat until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Once done, remove the kababs from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to remove any excess oil.
- Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy Veg Hara Bhara Kababs!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the kababs as an appetizer or snack with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
- Add the kababs to a wrap or sandwich with fresh veggies and a sauce of your choice.
- Serve the kababs as a side dish with dal and rice for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Top the kababs with some grated cheese and serve them as a party snack.
- Serve the kababs on a bed of salad greens with a light dressing for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
- Make sure the vegetables are finely chopped or mashed to ensure that the kababs hold their shape and don’t fall apart during frying.
- Squeeze out any excess water from the vegetables before adding them to the mixture to avoid a watery kabab mixture.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the kababs by adding or reducing the amount of green chilies used in the recipe.
- If the kabab mixture is too dry, add a little water or milk to make it more moist.
- To make the kababs more crispy, you can add a little cornstarch or rice flour to the mixture.
- You can also bake the kababs instead of frying them for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the kababs for 15-20 minutes, turning them over once, until golden brown and crispy.
FAQs
- Can I make these kababs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the kababs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I freeze the kababs?
Yes, you can freeze the kababs for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the uncooked kababs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer the kababs to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, thaw the kababs in the refrigerator overnight and fry or bake as directed.
- Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach and green peas?
Yes, you can use other vegetables such as grated zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the vegetables before adding them to the mixture.
- Can I make these kababs gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these kababs gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and a gluten-free flour such as rice flour or chickpea flour.
- Are these kababs vegan?
Yes, these kababs are vegan as they do not contain any animal products. Just make sure to check the ingredients of the bread crumbs and chutney to ensure they are also vegan-friendly.
