Healthy Veg Lollipop Recipe with Palak & Rajma
Looking for a healthy and protein-packed snack that’s perfect for your tea parties, gatherings, or simply a nutritious treat? This Healthy Veg Lollipop recipe with Palak (spinach) and Rajma (kidney beans) is an excellent choice! Combining nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, rajma, and oats, these lollipops are not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in some veggies and protein. Whether you serve them as appetizers or enjoy them as a healthy snack, these crispy, bite-sized delights will surely impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) | 1 cup (soaked overnight) |
Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 2 cups (chopped & tightly packed) |
Rolled Oats (finely powdered) | 1/2 cup |
Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp |
Garam Masala Powder | 1 tsp |
Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 tsp |
Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Sunflower Oil | As required (for frying) |
Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tbsp |
Water | As required (for paste consistency) |
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | A pinch |
Rolled Oats (coarsely powdered) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 15 lollipops
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rajma (Kidney Beans):
- Begin by soaking the rajma in plenty of water for 7-8 hours or overnight. The rajma will swell up and double in size.
- After soaking, drain the water and pressure cook the rajma with fresh water for 8-10 whistles or about 30 minutes, until the beans are soft when pressed.
- Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. Drain any excess water from the cooked rajma, saving it for use in other dishes like curries or chapati dough. (Do not discard this water!)
-
Prepare the Spinach (Palak):
- Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly several times to remove any dirt or grit.
- In a pan, sauté the spinach without oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the leaves wilt and shrink. Once done, turn off the heat and let the spinach cool completely.
-
Mash the Rajma:
- In a mixing bowl, take the cooked and drained rajma and mash it coarsely with a potato masher or your hands. Do not make it completely smooth, as a bit of texture is desirable for the lollipops.
-
Mix the Dough:
- To the mashed rajma, add the cooked spinach, finely powdered oats, and the following spices: red chili powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, amchur powder, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture comes together as a soft, non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add more oats powder. Once mixed, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into lemon-sized balls.
-
Prepare the Gram Flour Paste:
- In a separate bowl, combine gram flour (besan) with a pinch of turmeric powder and a little salt. Gradually add water to form a smooth, lump-free, thin paste.
-
Coat the Lollipops:
- Take coarsely powdered oats and spread them on a plate.
- Dip each rajma-spinach ball into the gram flour paste, ensuring it is fully coated. Then roll it gently in the oats to coat it evenly. The oats will add a crunchy texture to the lollipops once they’re cooked.
-
Cook the Lollipops:
- Heat an appe pan (paddu pan) or paniyaram pan over medium heat. Add a few drops of sunflower oil to each cavity.
- Gently place the prepared lollipop balls into the oiled cavities. Cook them on low to medium heat, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the lollipops are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- To give them a lollipop effect, gently insert a toothpick into each lollipop.
- Serve these delicious Healthy Veg Lollipops with Palak & Rajma hot, alongside a refreshing Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (coriander-mint chutney) and a cup of Masala Chai for a perfect tea-time treat.
Tips for Perfect Veg Lollipops:
- Texture: Don’t over-mash the rajma; leave some texture for a better bite and mouthfeel.
- Spices: Adjust the quantity of spices to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier lollipop, feel free to add more red chili powder or garam masala.
- Oats Coating: Coating the lollipops with coarsely powdered oats before frying ensures a crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can use breadcrumbs or rice flour for a different texture.
- Cooking: Cook the lollipops on low-medium heat to prevent them from burning. The key is to cook them until they are golden brown and crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 1 lollipop):
- Calories: 90-110 kcal
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Fat: 2-3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
These Healthy Veg Lollipops with Palak & Rajma make a fantastic addition to your healthy eating routine. With high protein from rajma and the goodness of spinach and oats, they’re a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free snack or appetizer!