Health
Hara Bhara Kebab is a popular Indian vegetarian snack, bursting with flavor and goodness. This green delight, often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack during evening tea-time, is a perfect blend of healthy greens and spices. Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach (palak), peas, and potatoes, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a tasty yet healthy alternative to fried snacks. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to make Hara Bhara Kebab for your evening snacks, bringing a combination of taste, health, and satisfaction to your plate.
Ingredients for Hara Bhara Kebab
- 1 cup fresh spinach (palak) – The key green ingredient in this recipe.
- 1/2 cup boiled peas – Adds a creamy texture and sweetness.
- 1 medium-sized boiled potato – Provides a soft base and helps bind the mixture.
- 1/4 cup grated paneer (optional but recommended) – Gives a rich and soft texture to the kebabs.
- 1-2 green chilies – For a little heat, adjust to your spice level.
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste – For flavor and aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder – Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala – For a traditional Indian spice blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder – For a touch of heat and color.
- Salt – To taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornflour or besan (gram flour) – Helps in binding the mixture.
- Oil or ghee – For shallow frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hara Bhara Kebab
- Prepare the Greens:
- Start by thoroughly washing the spinach leaves to remove any dirt. Once cleaned, blanch the spinach by boiling it for 1-2 minutes in hot water. This step helps in retaining the green color and softens the leaves.
- Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water. This will stop the cooking process and keep the vibrant green color intact.
- After cooling, finely chop the spinach or use a food processor to make a smooth paste.
- Mash the Vegetables:
- Peel and mash the boiled potato in a large mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl, add the boiled peas and mash them lightly. You don’t need to mash them completely, as a little texture adds to the final kebab.
- Prepare the Spices and Flavors:
- To the mashed mixture, add the finely chopped spinach paste, grated paneer, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
- Mix everything thoroughly so that all the ingredients are well incorporated. The texture should be smooth but firm enough to shape into patties.
- Bind the Mixture:
- Add the cornflour or besan to the mixture. This helps in binding the kebabs and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
- Mix the ingredients again until you get a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour to help bind it.
- Shape the Kebabs:
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval patties, about 1/2-inch thick. You can also shape them into small discs, as they are easy to handle and fry.
- Fry the Kebabs:
- Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or ghee for shallow frying.
- Once the oil is hot, gently place the kebabs in the pan. Fry on medium heat until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides, turning carefully to avoid breaking.
- You can fry the kebabs in batches, ensuring that there’s enough space in the pan for even cooking.
- Serve Hot:
- Once the kebabs are done, drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve the hot Hara Bhara Kebabs with a side of green chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple yogurt dip for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Hara Bhara Kebabs:
- Spinach Preparation: Be sure to blanch the spinach properly, as undercooking can make the kebabs lose their vibrant green color.
- Texture: The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when fried. If it’s too loose, add a little more besan or cornflour.
- Healthier Option: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can bake these kebabs instead of frying them. Simply preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the kebabs on a greased tray for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add Your Twist: You can experiment with adding other vegetables, like grated carrots or zucchini, for more nutrition and flavor.
Hara Bhara Kebab is an easy-to-make, delicious, and healthy snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Packed with the goodness of greens and other nutritious ingredients, it makes for a perfect evening snack or appetizer. With just a few simple steps, you can create this wholesome snack at home that’s sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger cravings. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a healthier twist on traditional evening snacks!
