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Category: Easy Appetizers

Easy Appetizers: Delightful and Simple Indian Starters

Appetizers set the tone for a meal, offering a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. When it comes to easy appetizers, Indian cuisine provides a plethora of options that are both flavorful and straightforward to prepare. 

From crispy fritters to tangy chaat, these Indian veg appetizers are perfect for any occasion. Whether you need quick and easy appetizers for a party or best easy appetizers to impress your guests, there’s something to suit every palate.

Benefits of Appetizers

  1. Stimulate Appetite: Appetizers prepare the stomach for the main course recipes.
  2. Social Interaction: Small bites are perfect for social gatherings and encourage conversation.
  3. Variety: They offer a variety of flavors and textures in a single meal.
  4. Portion Control: Appetizers can help in controlling portion sizes and preventing overeating.

Popular Indian Appetizers

1. Samosas

Samosas are quintessential easy Indian appetizers. These Indian snacks recipes are crispy, deep-fried pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes lentils. They are perfect for any gathering and are loved by all.

2. Pakoras

Pakoras are fritters made from vegetables like potatoes, and spinach, dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden. They are ideal quick and easy appetizers for rainy days.

3. Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka is a popular appetizer where cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in spices and grilled. It’s one of the  appetizers recipe that’s both healthy and delicious.

4. Aloo Tikki

Aloo tikki are spiced potato patties that are shallow-fried to perfection. They are often served with indian chutney and yogurt, making them a perfect quick easy appetizer.

5. Dahi Puri

Dahi puri is a delightful chaat item where small puris are filled with yogurt, chutneys, and spiced potatoes. It’s a burst of flavors in a single bite, making it a fantastic appetizer easy to prepare.

Quick and Easy Appetizers

1. Masala Papad

Masala papad is a simple yet tasty appetizer where roasted or fried papads are topped with tomatoes, and spices. It’s ready in minutes and offers a delightful crunch.

2. Veg Spring Rolls

Veg spring rolls are a quick appetizer filled with stir-fried vegetables wrapped in thin sheets and deep-fried. They are crispy and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

3. Cheese Balls

Cheese balls are made with mashed potatoes and cheese, rolled into balls, and deep-fried until golden brown. They are a hit among both kids and adults.

4. Hara Bhara Kabab

Hara bhara kabab is a healthy appetizer made from spinach, peas, and potatoes, shaped into patties, and shallow-fried. It’s nutritious and quick to prepare.

5. Chilli Paneer

Chilli paneer is a spicy Indo-Chinese appetizer made from paneer cubes tossed in a tangy and spicy sauce with bell peppers. It’s a crowd-pleaser and easy to whip up.

Best Easy Appetizers

1. Corn Chaat

Corn chaat is a quick and healthy appetizer made from boiled corn kernels mixed with tomatoes, and spices. It’s a refreshing start to any meal and a great chaat recipe for starters. 

2. Sev Puri

Sev puri is a popular street food where flat puris are topped with diced potatoes, chutneys, and sev (crispy chickpea noodles). It’s a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

3. Spinach and Cheese Croquettes

Spinach and cheese croquettes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They are made from spinach and cheese, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a simple yet elegant appetizer. Mushrooms are filled with a mixture of vegetables and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.

5. Mini Uttapam

Mini uttapam are small, thick pancakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, topped with chopped vegetables. They are a nutritious and easy appetizer.

Quick Easy Appetizers

1. Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Tomato basil bruschetta is an easy Italian appetizer that can be given an Indian twist with the addition of some Indian spices. It’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.

2. Chana Chaat

Chana chaat is a tangy and spicy chickpea salad mixed with tomatoes, and chaat masala. It’s a protein-packed appetizer that’s ready in no time.

3. Bread Pizza

Bread pizza is a quick and easy appetizer where bread slices are topped with pizza sauce, vegetables, and cheese, then baked until the cheese melts.

4. Vegetable Cutlets

Vegetable cutlets are a versatile appetizer made from mixed vegetables and spices, shaped into patties, and shallow-fried. They can be served with ketchup or green chutney.

5. Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a refreshing appetizer made from ripe mangoes, bell peppers, and cilantro, tossed with lime juice. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Appetizers Easy

1. Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a healthy and easy appetizer. Chickpeas are seasoned with spices and roasted until crispy. They are a great snack to munch on.

2. Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are light and refreshing appetizers made from slices of cucumber and cream cheese between pieces of bread. They are perfect for summer parties.

3. Fruit Skewers

Fruit skewers are an easy and healthy appetizer. Fresh fruits are threaded onto skewers and served with a yogurt dip.

4. Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a simple and trendy appetizer. Mashed avocado is spread on toasted bread and topped with spices, making it a nutritious and delicious start.

5. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian appetizer that’s easy to prepare. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

FAQs

Q: What is the simplest appetizer? 

A: Masala papad is one of the simplest appetizers you can prepare. It requires minimal ingredients and is ready in minutes.

Q: What are small appetizers called? 

A: Small appetizers are often referred to as canapés, hors d’oeuvres, or tapas, depending on the cuisine.

Conclusion

Indian cuisine offers a wide array of vegetarian appetizers recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you need quick and easy appetizers or the best easy appetizers for a party, these recipes will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the variety and flavors that easy Indian appetizers bring to your table. For more interesting recipes and dishes check out Manjula’s Kitchen.

  • Eggplant and Mushroom Wrap with Roasted Red Pepper and Sun Dried Tomato Chutney

    Eggplant and Mushroom Wrap with Roasted Red Pepper and Sun Dried Tomato Chutney

    Recipe Submitted by Michelle Smith
    Eggplant Mushroom Wrap

    Eggplant and Mushroom Wrap with Roasted Red Pepper and Sun Dried Tomato Chutney

    I was inspired by the ingredient: Bell Pepper and Eggplant. Red Bell Peppers are so delicious and sweet and roasting them brings out even more flavor and sweetness. Adding Sun Dried Tomatoes adds even more intense flavor. I’m trying to get my husband to stop eating meat, so I have to cook things with a lot of flavor and meaty textures. This chutney has very bold and robust flavor, the eggplant and mushrooms provide the meaty consistency, while the crumbled paneer adds protein.
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    Course Bread
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    For the WRAP

    • 2 red bell (capsicum) peppers, roasted, peeled, chopped
    • 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
    • 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
    • 1 pinch asafetida (hing)
    • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
    • 1 green chili, chopped
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (dagi mirch), for color
    • 2 tablespoons peanuts
    • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
    • 1 walnut sized tamarind pulp (imli) , soaked in 1/4 cup hot water to soften
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
    • salt, to taste

    For the CHUTNEY

    • 2 Tablespoons Ghee or oil
    • 10 baby eggplants, washed and sliced into 1/4” thick coins
    • 1/2 pound button or crimini mushrooms, washed and cut into 1/4” thick slices
    • 1-3 green chilies, chopped fine
    • 1 inch piece ginger, chopped fine/divided
    • Salt to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera), ground
    • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seed (dhania), ground
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
    • 2 tablespoons yogurt
    • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 carrot, washed, peeled and shredded (adds crunch)
    • 1/2 cup crumbled paneer
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
    • Roasted Red Pepper Chutney
    • 4 warm rotis

    Instructions
     

    Method

    • Wash and dry bell peppers. Coat lightly with oil. Set oven rack to highest position and broil peppers, turning as needed to blacken skin on all sides. Remove from oven, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to let steam for 15 minutes. Remove blackened skin with fingers (don’t rinse peppers as it rinses away flavor). Set aside.
    • In sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil (use oil sun dried tomatoes are packed in for more flavor) over medium-high heat. Add mustard seeds and cook until they start to splutter. Add cumin seeds and hing, cook for a few seconds. Add ginger paste, chopped green chili, peanuts, turmeric, paprika, tamarind pulp, and sun dried tomatoes, cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool a bit, then put in food processor with roasted red peppers, and blend until smooth. Add Brown Sugar and Salt to taste. Can be made a couple of days ahead.

    For the CHUTNEY

    • Melt ghee in large sauté pan, over medium heat. Add sliced eggplant, mushrooms, chopped green chilies, chopped ginger and salt. Cook until eggplant and mushrooms are soft. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric, mix well and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and add garam masala and yogurt. Stir to combine.

    Assemble wraps:

    • On each warm roti, spread 2-3 tablespoons of the Roasted Red Pepper Chutney. Add 1/4 of the Eggplant, Mushroom mixture and top with 1/4 of the shredded carrots, a small bit of chopped fresh ginger (optional), chopped cilantro, and crumbled paneer. Roll into a wrap and serve with fresh tomato slices and more chutney if desired. These would also be good served with some raita on the side.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Spinach Raita

    Spinach Raita

    Spinach Raita

    Spinach Raita

    Spinach raita is a refreshing yogurt-based dish made with spiced spinach and yogurt. By adjusting its thickness, you can also serve spinach raita as a sandwich spread or as a dip for fresh veggies. Spinach raita tastes delicious any way you serve it.
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    Course Raita
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups chopped spinach, stems removed
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • 1/2  teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
    • Pinch of asafetida (hing)
    • 2 whole red chili
    • 1/2  teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • 1 1/2  cup yogurt

    Instructions
     

    Method:

    • Heat the oil in a saucepan on medium high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed cracks right away, oil is ready.
    • Add the asafetida and cumin seeds. After the cumin seeds crack, add red chilies stir-fry for few seconds.
    • Add spinach, salt, and black pepper and stir-fry, pressing the spinach down to allow most of the water to evaporate but still leaving the spinach moist.
    • After the spinach cools off, mix it well into the yogurt.
    • Add milk to the raita about half a cup adjust to the desire consistency.
    • For best result serve chill.

    Notes

    Tips:
    Frozen chopped spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.
    Variations:
    1. Spinach raita also can be served as a spread with bread or crackers keep the consistency thick do not need to add any milk.
    2. To serve as a dip add about ¼ cup of milk but keep thicker then raita.
    Serving suggestion:
    Serve over plain rice or as a side dish with any meal.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    How to Make Palak Raita – Manjula’s Kitchen 

    What is Raita: Raita is an accompaniment for any Indian meal and can be created in the form of Vegetable Raita, Spinach Raita, Boondi ka Raita, Cucumber Raita & Lauki ka Raita. Here we are focussing on making palak ka raita or spinach raita, it’s a simple quick & easy, gluten free, kid friendly and nutritious yogurt-based recipe featuring palak or spinach and a selection of Indian spice powders. 

    1. Heating Oil and Infusing Flavours: Initiating Palak Raita Preparation 

    Begin the palatable journey of creating Palak Raita by heating oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. A simple test, featuring the crackling of a cumin seed, confirms the readiness of the oil for the culinary symphony about to unfold. With the aromatic base established, infuse the oil with the distinctive essence of asafetida and cumin seeds. As the cumin seeds crackle, introduce red chilies, stirring the mix for a tantalizing burst of flavour that sets the stage for the vibrant palak raita.

    1. Sautéing Spinach with Seasonings: Crafting the Palak Raita Base

    Add the star ingredient, spinach, to the fragrant mix, along with a dash of salt and black pepper. Engage in a thorough stir-fry, applying gentle pressure to the spinach, coaxing it to release its moisture. The objective is to strike a balance, allowing most of the water to evaporate while retaining the spinach’s inherent moisture. This meticulous step forms the foundation of the palak raita, infusing it with the earthy essence of spinach.

    1. Blending Spinach with Yogurt and Milk: Achieving Palak Raita Consistency 

    Once the sautéed spinach cools off, seamlessly integrate it into the waiting yogurt. This integration creates a symphony of textures and flavours, transforming the yogurt into the creamy canvas for the palak raita. To achieve the desired consistency, introduce milk gradually, adjusting until reaching the perfect balance. This harmonious blend of yogurt and milk ensures a palak raita that is not only flavorful but also luxuriously creamy.

    1. Chilling for Optimal Enjoyment: Perfecting the Palak Raita Experience 

    For optimal results, serve the palak raita chilled. This step enhances the overall sensory experience, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify. The coolness complements the earthy spinach and the tanginess of the yogurt, resulting in a refreshing and delightful palak raita that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.

    1. Tips and Variations: Enhancing the Palak Raita Recipe 

    Consider using frozen chopped spinach as a convenient alternative to fresh spinach. Additionally, palak raita transforms into a versatile spread when served with bread or crackers, maintaining a thick consistency without the need for additional milk. For a dip, add approximately ¼ cup of milk, ensuring a thicker texture than traditional raita. These variations allow palak raita to shine in diverse culinary roles, catering to a spectrum of taste preferences.

    1. Serving Suggestions: Palak Raita as a Versatile Accompaniment 

    Experience the versatility of Palak Raita by serving it over plain rice or as a side dish accompanying any meal. Its dynamic flavours and creamy texture make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, contributing a touch of freshness and vibrancy to the overall dining experience.

  • Samosa

    Samosa

    Part 1:

    Part 2:

    Samosa recipe

    Samosa, Aloo Samosa, Street Food

    Samosa is probably the most popular Indian snack. Fried puffed pastry filled with spicy potatoes and green peas. No one can resist samosas, a mouthwatering snack. Samosas can be served any time and for any occasion. This recipe is for traditional north Indian Samosa.
    4.20 from 5 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    boiling the potatoes 25 minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 3 people

    Ingredients
      

    Dough

    • 1/2 cup all purpose flour plain flour, maida
    • 1/2 tbsp sooji samolina
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1-1/2 tbsp oil canola or vegetable
    • 3 tbsp lukewarm water use as needed

    For the Filling:

    • 3 boiled potatoes, peeled and chopped into very small cubes
    • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
    • 1 tbsp chopped green chilies
    • 1 tsp coriander powder dhania
    • 1/4 tsp garam masala
    • 1 tsp mangopowder amchoor
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 tbsp oil canola or vegetable
    • 1/2 cup green peas I am using frozen peas

    Need oil to fry

    Instructions
     

    Making the Dough:

    • Mix the flour, sooji, salt, oil and salt together to make a soft dough (add more water as needed). knead the dough for about 1 to 2 minutes to make the dough smooth and pliable. Set the dough aside and cover it with damp cloth. Let the dough sit for at least 15 minutes.

    Making the Filling:

    • Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if it cracks right away oil is ready. Add cumin seeds as cumin seeds crack, add green chilies, coriander powder and stir for few seconds. Next add green peas and turn heat to medium and stir until tender. Add the potatoes and stir-fry for about 4 minutes. Stir in garam masala and amchur. Add more salt or amchur according to taste.
    • Let the filling cool to room temperature.

    Making Samosa:

    • Take 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to make a paste and keep aside.
    • Knead the dough for a minute. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and make into balls. Roll each ball into 6-inch diameter circles and cut each circle in half.
    • Spread the paste lightly all along the edge of one semicircle. Pick this semicircle up with both hands and fold it into a cone shape. Pinch the side of this cone so that it is completely sealed.
    • Fill the cone with 3 tablespoons of filling. Press this filling down with your fingers. Now close the top of this cone into a triangle shape, pinching the top edge so that it is completely sealed. Continue filling the rest of the samosas.
    • Heat about 1 inch of the oil in a frying pan on medium heat. To check if oil is hot enough place a small piece of dough in oil and dough should sizzle and come to the surface slowly.
    • Place the samosas in the frying pan a few at a time. After samosas are floating on top of the oil turn them slowly. Fry the samosas until the samosas turn a light golden-brown color on all sides. If you use a high heat, the samosa crust will be too soft and not crispy.

    Notes

    Tips:
    Boil the potatoes just until tender. Be careful not to poke the potatoes multiple times while they are cooking, as they will absorb the water. Drain immediately and keep aside until cool enough to touch.
    The dough has to be kneaded well; otherwise, the samosas will not come out as crisp.
    If the filled samosas sit for too long, they will dry. To avoid this, cover with a damp cloth.
    Suggestions:
    Samosa can be prepared ahead of time and can be freeze for a month.
    Before freezing fry them enough until samosa changes the color to very light gold brown.
    After samosas are on room temperature bag them in zip lock bags and freeze them.
    To use frozen samosas take out as many you need and fry them on medium heat.
    Keyword Aloo Samosa, Homemade Samosa, Punjabi Samosa
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!