Vegetable fritters are a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. These fritters are made with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, giving them a delightful taste and texture. They are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it according to your preferences by using different vegetables and seasonings. Whether served with a tangy dip or a simple yogurt sauce, these fritters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup chopped spinach or any leafy greens
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan) or all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as per taste)
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for a lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- Water as required
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the grated zucchini and sprinkle a little salt over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water using a clean kitchen towel. This helps in making the fritters crispy.
- Add the grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, onion, corn kernels, and chopped spinach to the bowl. Mix well.
- Add chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and baking soda. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green chili, and fresh coriander leaves. Combine well.
- Gradually add water, little by little, and mix until a thick batter forms. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped with a spoon.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small portion of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top immediately, the oil is hot enough.
- Using a spoon or your hands, take small portions of the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them occasionally for even cooking.
- Once done, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the vegetable fritters hot with ketchup, mint chutney, or a tangy yogurt dip.
These vegetable fritters are incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect choice for a wholesome snack. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or serve them at gatherings for an irresistible treat!