Hara Bhara Kebab Recipe with Millets: A Healthy and Flavorful North Indian Snack
Hara Bhara Kebab is a popular vegetarian snack from North India, traditionally made with spinach, peas, and spices. This modern twist on the classic recipe incorporates the health benefits of millets along with flavorful vegetables and spices, making it a wholesome choice for anyone craving a nutritious, vegetarian treat. The addition of millets such as barnyard millet adds texture and boosts the nutritional profile, making these kebabs not only delicious but also high in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Perfect for a light evening snack or an appetizer, these kebabs can be served alongside green chutney and a steaming cup of masala chai. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or just for a quiet evening, Hara Bhara Kebab with Millets will surely delight everyone.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) โ steamed | 1/4 cup |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 8 sprigs |
| Ginger โ grated | 1-inch piece |
| Green chili | 1 |
| Barnyard millet (cooked) | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo) โ boiled and mashed | 2 large |
| Paneer (Homemade cottage cheese) | 50 grams |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion โ finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Chaat masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | For cooking |
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Snack
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
To begin making the Hara Bhara Kebab Recipe with Millets, gather all your ingredients in one place. This includes the boiled and mashed potatoes, cooked barnyard millet, and crumbled paneer.
For the millet, itโs important to note that different types of millets (such as bajra or foxtail millet) may have varying cooking times. Ensure that the millet is cooked well and retains a grainy texture. This will give your kebabs a perfect bite.
Step 2: Blending the First Set of Ingredients
Take a food processor and add the steamed green peas, mint leaves, grated ginger, and green chili. Blend them to form a coarse paste. You want the mixture to be roughly ground, maintaining some texture rather than being fully smooth.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
Transfer the blended mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, cooked millet, crumbled paneer, finely chopped onion, gram flour (besan), chaat masala powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything together well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Shaping the Kebabs
Once all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly, itโs time to shape the mixture into kebabs. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval discs. Ensure the kebabs are firm enough to hold their shape while cooking.
Step 5: Cooking the Kebabs
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, drizzle a little sunflower oil over the surface to grease it. Gently place the shaped kebabs on the pan, ensuring that they do not overlap. Drizzle a bit of oil over each kebab.
Cook the kebabs for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to ensure that the kebabs cook evenly without burning. The cooking process should take approximately 8-10 minutes for each batch, depending on the size of the kebabs.
Step 6: Serving the Kebabs
Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve the Hara Bhara Kebabs with a fresh green chutney for an extra burst of flavor. For a perfect snack experience, pair the kebabs with a hot cup of masala chai.
Tips for Perfect Hara Bhara Kebabs:
- Millet Choice: While barnyard millet is used in this recipe, you can opt for other varieties like bajra (pearl millet) or foxtail millet. Just ensure that the millet is cooked well and has a grainy texture for the best results.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili and garam masala to suit your heat preference. If you like your kebabs spicier, add an extra green chili or a pinch of red chili powder.
- Make-Ahead: These kebabs can be prepared ahead of time. After shaping them, you can refrigerate the uncooked kebabs for a few hours or overnight. This helps the kebabs hold their shape better while cooking.
- Vegan Option: To make these kebabs vegan, simply replace the paneer with a plant-based alternative like tofu or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
These Hara Bhara Kebabs with Millets are a nutritious, satisfying snack that brings together the goodness of millets, vegetables, and spices in every bite. They are easy to prepare, and with a crispy exterior and soft interior, they are sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike. Perfect for serving at parties, as an appetizer, or even as a quick snack during tea time, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy the goodness of millets while indulging in the flavors of North India!
