Vegetarian Green Malai Kebab: A Flavorful and Refreshing Appetizer
Delight your taste buds with the Vegetarian Green Malai Kebab, also known as Vegetarian Hariyali Malai Kebab. This North Indian dish combines the creamy texture of paneer with the earthy flavor of potatoes, complemented by the fresh zing of mint and coriander chutney. It’s an ideal appetizer for your house parties or gatherings, offering a burst of flavors and colors. Whether you’re grilling it on a pan, barbecue, or baking it in the oven, this quick and easy recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. The kebabs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right touch of spice and freshness. Top them with a sprinkle of chaat masala, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleasing dish.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-5 people
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled and mashed | 1 cup |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), crumbled | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole Wheat Bread crumbs | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For pan grilling (or as needed) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by boiling and mashing the potatoes (Aloo). Ensure they are smooth and lump-free.
- Crumble the paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) into small pieces. If your paneer is too soft, you can press it lightly to remove any excess moisture.
- Finely chop the green chillies to add a spicy kick to the kebabs.
- Set aside your green chutney (a blend of fresh coriander and mint) for added flavor.
-
Make the Kebab Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, crumbled paneer, and finely chopped green chillies.
- Add whole wheat flour to bind the mixture together and help it hold its shape.
- Stir in the whole wheat bread crumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Add the green chutney (coriander & mint) for a refreshing, herby flavor, along with salt to taste.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until it forms a smooth, pliable dough-like consistency.
-
Shape the Kebabs:
- Divide the dough into 20 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball or oval shape, depending on your preference.
- You can lightly grease your palms to prevent the mixture from sticking.
-
Grill the Kebabs:
- Preheat your grill or a non-stick pan (or use your barbecue if preferred) over medium heat.
- Lightly grease the grill or pan with a little oil to ensure the kebabs don’t stick.
- Place the kebab balls onto the hot grill or pan and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides (approximately 10-15 minutes).
- If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F) and bake the kebabs on a greased tray for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
-
Serve:
- Once the kebabs are golden and crisp, remove them from the grill or pan and let them cool for a moment.
- Garnish with a generous sprinkle of chaat masala for a tangy, spicy finish.
- Serve your Vegetarian Green Malai Kebabs hot with a side of dhaniya pudina chutney (coriander-mint chutney) for dipping.
Tips for Perfection:
- If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add a pinch of garam masala or red chili powder to the kebab mixture.
- Grill the kebabs on a low flame if you want them to cook more evenly and retain a softer texture inside.
- For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the mixture before grilling.
- To make the kebabs crispier, roll them lightly in breadcrumbs before grilling.
Serving Suggestions:
- These Vegetarian Hariyali Malai Kebabs are perfect as appetizers at house parties, potlucks, or evening snacks.
- Serve them alongside fresh salads, or pair with onion rings and mint raita for an even more indulgent platter.
- For a more filling meal, enjoy these kebabs with naan or roti, and a side of vegetable biryani or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking time, these kebabs are a breeze to make.
- Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients like paneer, potatoes, and whole wheat flour, these kebabs are a nutritious and satisfying snack or appetizer.
- Versatile: You can grill them, bake them, or cook them on a pan—depending on your preference, you can even add different spices to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of mint chutney, green chillies, and chaat masala elevates the flavor of these kebabs to something truly special.
These Vegetarian Green Malai Kebabs are bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively party, these kebabs will steal the show with their fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. So, roll up your sleeves and give this simple, delicious recipe a try!
Enjoy!
