Lobia Kebabs Recipe (Black Eyed Bean Patties)
Description:
Lobia Kebabs, also known as Black Eyed Bean Patties, offer a wholesome blend of vegetables, herbs, and aromatic spices that elevate the naturally mild flavor of black-eyed beans. These kebabs are a perfect snack or appetizer that balances the carbohydrate load with protein and fiber, making them a healthy yet indulgent choice. A fantastic vegetarian dish, they can be served as appetizers, tea-time snacks, or even in kids’ school boxes, especially when paired with a refreshing yogurt dip. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual gathering or a party, these Black Eyed Bean Kebabs are sure to delight everyone with their crispy texture and rich, flavorful profile.
Cuisine: North Indian Recipes
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients Table:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Eyed Beans (Lobia) | 1 cup |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal), rolled and powdered | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped (optional) |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 clove, finely chopped |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons (adjust to tolerance) |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon (for shallow frying) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soaking the Black Eyed Beans:
Begin by thoroughly washing the black-eyed beans and soaking them in fresh water overnight. This step is essential to soften the beans for cooking and to make them easier to mash. -
Cooking the Beans:
After soaking, drain the beans and cook them until soft and mashable. You can cook them in a saucepan or pressure cooker. If you’re using a pressure cooker, cook the beans for about 2 whistles, then lower the heat and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes before turning off the heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally. If using a saucepan, cook the beans until tender, ensuring they remain soft enough to mash. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set the beans aside to cool. -
Preparing the Oats:
While the beans are cooling, grind the rolled oats in a blender or food processor to form a fine powder. Set this aside for later use. -
Mash the Beans:
Take the cooled black-eyed beans and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Reserve a few tablespoons of the cooked beans for texture. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the beans until most of them are broken down, leaving a few unmashed beans for added texture. -
Add Vegetables and Spices:
To the mashed beans, add the powdered oats, finely chopped onions, garlic, fresh coriander, mint leaves, and chopped red bell pepper. If you’re using green chilies, add them at this stage as well. Then, sprinkle in the cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with your clean hands, mashing and incorporating the ingredients together. Taste the mixture and adjust the spices and salt according to your preference. -
Shape the Kebabs:
Once the mixture is well combined, divide it into medium-sized portions (about 2 inches in thickness and diameter) to form the kebabs. You should get around 10-12 patties from this mixture. -
Fry the Kebabs:
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add about 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pan, spreading it evenly using a clean paper towel or kitchen cloth. Place the kebabs gently into the skillet. Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges of each kebab to ensure they fry evenly. -
Cooking the Kebabs:
Let the kebabs cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy. Using a flat spatula, carefully flip the kebabs to cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring both sides are golden and crispy. Once done, transfer the kebabs to a plate lined with absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil. -
Serve:
Serve the Lobia Kebabs hot, accompanied by a yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast. These kebabs are ideal as party appetizers, tea-time snacks, or even as a nutritious option for kids’ lunchboxes.
Allergen Information:
- This recipe contains gluten from oats, so it is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities unless gluten-free oats are used.
- It also contains garlic, onions, and chili, which may not be suitable for individuals with specific sensitivities to these ingredients.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: The Lobia Kebabs are entirely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians.
- Vegan (if yogurt dip is substituted): With a plant-based yogurt dip, these kebabs become fully vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free (with modification): By using certified gluten-free oats, the recipe can be adapted to meet gluten-free dietary needs.
Advice:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The red chili powder and green chilies can be adjusted to your preferred spice tolerance. If you prefer milder kebabs, reduce the chili content or omit the green chilies altogether.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like grated carrots or peas for more variety.
- Make-Ahead: The kebab mixture can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated, making it easier to cook when you’re ready to serve.
- Frying Tip: Ensure the skillet is not overcrowded when frying the kebabs. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Conclusion:
Lobia Kebabs (Black Eyed Bean Patties) are a delightful and nutritious snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. They provide a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, all while being easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. Whether served at a party, as an after-school snack, or as part of a family meal, these kebabs are sure to satisfy. Enjoy them with a refreshing yogurt dip or as they are, and let these delicious kebabs bring a wholesome touch to your table!
