Basella Fritters Recipe (Malabar Spinach Fritters)
Malabar spinach, or Basella, is a vibrant green, tropical climbing plant known for its thick, fleshy leaves that burst with refreshing, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavors. This versatile vegetable, which thrives in hot and tropical climates, is not only delicious but incredibly nutritious. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy this unique spinach is by turning it into crispy, flavorful fritters that make the perfect snack or appetizer. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce and a warm cup of Adrak Chai (ginger tea), these fritters offer a cozy treat, especially during cooler evenings.
This Basella Fritters recipe captures the essence of traditional Malabar cuisine, using simple, easily accessible ingredients to create a crunchy, spicy delight that is sure to win hearts at your next gathering. Let’s dive into how to make these golden, crispy fritters with the distinctive flavors of Malabar spinach.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basella (Malabar Spinach) | 200 grams |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Corn Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt (or Baking Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder (for batter) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato Ketchup | For serving (optional) |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions
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Prepare the Basella Leaves:
Begin by selecting fresh, tender, and thin Basella (Malabar Spinach) leaves. Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. After washing, gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure there’s no excess moisture left on them. -
Season the Leaves:
Once the leaves are dry, place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt over the leaves. Toss them gently to coat the leaves evenly with the spices. This will enhance the flavor of the spinach, giving it a nice, spicy kick that will be complemented by the crispy batter. -
Prepare the Fritter Batter:
In a separate mixing bowl, add the following dry ingredients: gram flour (besan), corn flour, cumin seeds, Enos fruit salt (or baking powder), and red chilli powder. Mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to form a smooth batter. Aim for a semi-thick consistency that will easily coat the spinach leaves but not be too runny. The batter should be smooth, without any lumps.
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Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat enough oil over medium to low flame for frying the fritters. The oil should be hot enough to fry the fritters but not smoking. -
Fry the Basella Fritters:
Dip each seasoned spinach leaf into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully drop the coated leaves into the hot oil, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the leaves until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take around 2-3 minutes on each side. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a kitchen paper towel to drain any excess oil. -
Serve:
Serve the crispy Basella Fritters hot, accompanied by a side of peanut chili dipping sauce or your favorite chutney. A warm cup of Adrak Chai will complement these fritters perfectly, offering a cozy, flavorful experience on a cool evening.
Tips for Perfect Basella Fritters
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Crispiness: The key to crispy fritters is maintaining the right oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the fritters may burn before becoming crispy. If it’s too cold, the fritters may absorb excess oil and become soggy.
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Batter Consistency: Make sure the batter is thick enough to coat the leaves without dripping off too quickly. If the batter is too runny, add a bit more gram flour (besan) to thicken it.
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Spice Level: Adjust the level of red chilli powder and turmeric according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of garam masala or chat masala for an extra burst of flavor.
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Serving Ideas: These fritters are best served immediately after frying while they’re still crispy. Pair them with tomato ketchup, a tangy mint chutney, or even a cooling yogurt dip.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~200 mg |
| Calcium | ~25 mg |
(Note: The nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the quantity of oil absorbed during frying.)
Conclusion
Basella Fritters, also known as Malabar Spinach Fritters, are a deliciously crispy snack that brings out the unique flavors of tropical spinach leaves. With a simple blend of spices and flours, these fritters offer a delightful treat for vegetarians and anyone who loves a savory, crunchy bite. Perfect for snacking on a chilly evening, they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or your favorite dipping sauce.
If you’re looking to explore more traditional and unique Indian snacks, this recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your guests with its crispy texture and fragrant, spicy seasoning.
Enjoy these Malabar spinach fritters with a side of chutney or tomato ketchup, and let them become a staple in your snack repertoire!
