Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal? Look no further! Hara Bhara Kabab, meaning "green pea patties," are a delightful Indian delicacy that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. These vibrant green patties are packed with spinach, peas, and aromatic spices, offering a burst of fresh flavors in every bite. This recipe provides a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this classic dish, even for those new to homemade cooking. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, blanched and finely chopped
- 1 cup green peas, cooked
- 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed
- ½ cup finely chopped onions
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 inch ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs or cornflour
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying or baking
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Blanch the spinach until wilted, then finely chop it. Cook the green peas until tender. Boil and mash the potato. This step ensures that your kababs have a smooth and pleasant texture.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cooked peas, mashed potato, onions, green chilies, ginger, garlic, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, bread crumbs (or cornflour), coriander leaves, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape.
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Shape the Kababs: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or round patties. Make sure they are not too thin or they might break while cooking.
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Cook the Kababs: You can either fry or bake the kababs.
- Frying: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Carefully place the kababs in the pan and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the kababs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly browned.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot Hara Bhara Kababs with your favorite chutney, yogurt, or raita. They are delicious as a starter, snack, or a part of a larger meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hara Bhara Kababs:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the mixture can make the kababs tough. Mix gently until everything is just combined.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Add Binding Agent: If the mixture is too soft, add a little more bread crumbs or cornflour to bind it together.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy kababs.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, you can add some chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the mixture.
- Use Different Greens: Experiment with other greens like fenugreek leaves or palak (spinach).
- Make it Spicy: Add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on cooking method and added ingredients)
- Protein: Around 5-7g
- Fiber: Around 4-6g
This delicious and healthy Hara Bhara Kabab recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch option, or a flavorful addition to your next party spread. Enjoy!