Learn how to make an easy vegan appetizer recipe that is sure to please your friends and family. ‘Hara Bhara’ literally translates to ‘All things Green’. Though traditionally it is spinach that is used for this recipe, feel free to replace with any firm greens on hand. Taste will slightly vary and I recommend blanching them lightly before using in the patty mixture.
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Spiced Spinach Patties
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
Flavorful vegan patties packed with spinach, potatoes, and warming spices. Perfect as a simple appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cups (237 ml) finely chopped spinach
- 1 cups (237 ml) potato (boiled and mashed)
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) grated carrot
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp besan (or chickpea flour)
- 1 cups (237 ml) grated paneer (omit to make vegan or use a vegan cheese)
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) finely chopped green beans
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 0.25 tsp turmeric
- 4-5 tbsp Oil - for shallow frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together spinach, potato, carrot, green chili, green beans, and paneer.
- Add chickpea flour and season with salt, pepper powder, turmeric, and cumin powder.
- Mix everything together and shape the mixture into small, round patties.
- Heat oil in a shallow pan to a temperature of approximately 350°F (177°C).
- Gently drop each patty into the hot oil and cook on low heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain the patties on paper towels and serve with ketchup or chutney.
Notes
- For optimal texture, ensure the potatoes are thoroughly mashed before mixing with other ingredients.
- If using fresh spinach, squeeze out excess water before adding to prevent soggy patties.
- These patties freeze well! Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the spinach patties from falling apart in the pan?
Squeeze as much water as possible out of the cooked spinach before mixing it with the other ingredients. Excess moisture is the main reason patties break apart. Chilling the formed patties for 20 minutes before frying also helps them hold their shape. 
What spices give these patties their flavor?
Recipes in this style often use cumin, coriander, garlic, and chili to season the spinach mixture. The exact combination varies, so follow the recipe ratios to get the right balance.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will have a drier texture than pan-fried patties but are less hands-on to cook.
Nice idea, but definitely not vegan. Perhaps just change the word to vegetarian.