These crispy vegetable fritters are a celebration of texture, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. Made from a vibrant batter of shredded carrots, red onion, and fresh herbs, they’re pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce that complements their savory crunch. The fritters are small, round, and delightfully crisp on the outside, with a tender, flavorful interior that showcases the vegetables in every bite.
Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these fritters are versatile and satisfying. The batter is simple to prepare, and the cooking process is quick, making them ideal for weeknight meals or impromptu gatherings. They’re also a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and the recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether dipped in ketchup, chutney, or yogurt sauce, these fritters are guaranteed to disappear fast.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Fritter Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) grated carrots
- ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or coriander, finely chopped
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin
- 1 egg (or 2 tbsp chickpea flour + 2 tbsp water for egg-free version)
- ½ cup (120ml) water, adjusted as needed
- Oil for shallow frying
For Serving:
- Ketchup, chili sauce, or yogurt dip
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables Wash and peel the carrots, then grate them finely. Chop the red onion and herbs. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Add the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and cumin to the bowl with the vegetables. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the flour mixture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Crack in the egg (or add chickpea flour slurry for a vegan version) and pour in the water gradually. Stir with a wooden spoon until a thick, spoonable batter forms. It should hold together but not be runny. Adjust water or flour as needed to get the right consistency.
Step 4: Heat the Oil In a wide skillet or frying pan, heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon to form small rounds.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters Cook the fritters for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if needed. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve Hot Arrange the fritters on a serving plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. A dollop of ketchup or a spicy yogurt dip works beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Variations:
- Add grated zucchini, cabbage, or sweet potato for variety.
- Mix in crumbled feta or shredded cheese for a richer flavor.
- Serve with mint chutney or garlic aioli for a gourmet twist.
- Make mini versions for party platters or lunchbox snacks.