Garlic Spinach Balls
The Ultimate Party Appetizer Packed with Flavor and Nutrition
Looking for a tasty and nutritious appetizer to serve at your next dinner party or casual gathering? The Garlic Spinach Balls recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome spinach, aromatic garlic, and creamy mashed potatoes, all brought together to create a savory treat that your guests will absolutely love. These golden, crispy, and flavorful bites are perfect for any occasion and can easily be made vegetarian to cater to a variety of dietary preferences. This easy-to-prepare dish is not only full of nutrients but also packed with the rich flavors of garlic and herbs that will keep your guests coming back for more!
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner (Appetizer)
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Garlic (grated) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small onion |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2 medium, boiled & mashed |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For frying |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 (Makes approximately 12-15 balls)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 250 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Instructions:
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
To begin making the Garlic Spinach Balls, heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan, allowing it to heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the grated garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them together for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance. This will form the flavorful base for the spinach balls.
Step 2: Cooking the Spinach
Next, add the chopped spinach to the pan with the garlic and onion. Continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens, and most of its moisture evaporates. This step is important, as it ensures the spinach mixture doesn’t make the spinach balls soggy. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let the spinach mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Preparing the Mixture
Once the spinach mixture has cooled, transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, red chili powder, dried oregano, and salt to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they come together into a uniform mixture. The mashed potatoes will help bind the ingredients together, giving the spinach balls their shape and texture.
Step 4: Shaping the Spinach Balls
Once your mixture is ready, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into lemon-sized balls with your hands. The size of the balls can vary depending on your preference, but aim for a bite-sized portion for easy serving.
Step 5: Refrigerating the Balls
Place the shaped spinach balls onto a plate or tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Refrigerating the balls helps them firm up and become crispier when cooked, ensuring they hold their shape and get that perfect crunch on the outside.
Step 6: Cooking the Spinach Balls
To cook the Garlic Spinach Balls, heat a paniyaram (appe) pan or a regular frying pan on medium heat. Add a few drops of oil into each cavity if using a paniyaram pan or just a thin layer of oil if using a regular frying pan. Gently place the spinach balls into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the balls for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them around carefully to ensure even browning and crisping on all sides. Once golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serving
Arrange the Garlic Spinach Balls on a serving platter, and serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as tangy tomato ketchup or spicy Schezwan sauce. These little delights make for a perfect appetizer for your parties, casual gatherings, or even as a delightful snack in your kids’ lunchboxes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Spinach Balls:
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give you a vibrant green color and a fresh flavor, but frozen spinach can work too. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
- Customize with Cheese: For an added richness, you can mix in a bit of grated cheese such as Parmesan or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme, or add a pinch of cumin powder for a different flavor profile.
- Make Them Ahead: You can prepare the spinach balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. This will save time on the day of your event and ensure they stay firm and crispy when fried.
- Baking Option: If you want to cut down on oil, you can bake these balls in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to lightly oil the baking tray for the best results.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Garlic Spinach Balls are a delightful addition to your party menu. Their crispy exterior and flavorful, creamy interior make them the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing snacks for a family get-together, or packing a healthy school snack for your kids, these little spinach balls will never disappoint. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!
Enjoy this healthy, easy, and delicious recipe as part of your next meal or gathering—your guests will be asking for the recipe in no time!
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