Carrots and Coriander Fritters: A Healthy Snack for All Ages
Carrots and Coriander Fritters offer a delightful way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. These fritters, typically fried, have been given a healthy makeover by opting for pan-searing with minimal oil, making them a guilt-free snack. The use of gram flour (besan) not only helps bind the ingredients together but also adds a hearty, filling element to the dish, perfect for keeping you satisfied between meals. With fresh coriander leaves adding an aromatic punch, and a touch of green chili for a hint of spice, these fritters are a wonderful blend of flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Perfect for a quick, nutritious snack or as a side dish in a larger meal, Carrots and Coriander Fritters are especially kid-friendly, making them an excellent addition to lunch boxes or evening tea time. Let’s explore the recipe in detail!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots (Gajjar), grated | 4 medium-sized carrots |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves, chopped | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Green chili, chopped | 1 small, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For brushing on the skillet |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by grating the carrots into a bowl. You should have about 4 medium-sized carrots, which will yield a good amount of grated carrot. Set them aside for later.
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Combine Ingredients: Into the grated carrots, add the finely chopped coriander leaves, chopped green chili, and the gram flour (besan). Season the mixture with a pinch of salt. Mix everything thoroughly. The carrots will release some moisture, which will help the batter come together. You should end up with a slightly thicker mixture than a traditional pancake batter.
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Cooking the Fritters: Place a skillet over medium heat and brush it with a small amount of oil. Once the pan is heated, take a ladleful of the carrot mixture and carefully drop it into the skillet, gently pressing it down into a small disc shape.
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Cook Each Side: Let the fritter cook for about 2 minutes on one side until golden and crispy. Then, carefully flip it over and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Repeat this process with the remaining batter. Each fritter should be golden-brown and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once all the fritters are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. You can serve these Carrots and Coriander Fritters alongside a cool glass of milk for a great kid-friendly snack or pair them with a tangy Dhaniya Pudina Chutney for a more vibrant tea-time treat.
Nutritional Information
- Carrots: Rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber, carrots support healthy vision and digestion.
- Coriander: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, coriander leaves also provide a boost of vitamin C.
- Gram Flour (Besan): A gluten-free alternative to regular flour, besan is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for binding the fritters while helping keep you full for longer.
- Green Chilli: Adds a mild heat and boosts metabolism, thanks to the capsaicin content.
- Oil: By using minimal oil, we reduce unnecessary fats while still achieving a crispy, golden texture on the fritters.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains chickpea flour (besan), which is made from ground chickpeas. People with chickpea or legume allergies should avoid this recipe. The dish is otherwise free from common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten, making it a safe choice for most individuals with dietary restrictions.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This dish is completely vegetarian, making it suitable for anyone following a plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free: The use of gram flour instead of wheat flour makes this recipe gluten-free, catering to those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Low Fat: With minimal oil used for cooking, these fritters are a lower-fat option compared to traditional deep-fried fritters.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and crispy texture make these fritters an appealing snack for children, while also providing essential nutrients.
Advice for a Perfect Fritter
- Carrot Grating: Make sure to grate the carrots finely so they blend well with the other ingredients. The finer the grate, the better the mixture will hold together.
- Adjust Consistency: If the batter feels too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water or a little extra gram flour to achieve the desired consistency.
- Skillet Temperature: Cooking on medium heat ensures that the fritters crisp up without burning. If the heat is too high, they may cook too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside raw.
- For Extra Flavor: You can experiment by adding other spices such as cumin or turmeric to the batter for an added depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Carrots and Coriander Fritters are a delightful and healthy snack that can be enjoyed by all ages. With their vibrant color, rich flavor, and satisfying texture, these fritters offer a great way to add more vegetables into your diet. By pan-searing the fritters with minimal oil, we ensure that this snack is lighter while still retaining the crispy exterior that makes fritters so enjoyable. Whether you’re serving them to your kids after school, packing them for lunch, or enjoying them as an evening snack, these fritters are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give this recipe a try today and enjoy the flavors of this Indian-inspired snack, perfect for any time of the day!
