Zesty Spiced Carrot and Zucchini Fritters
Experience the burst of flavor with our Zesty Spiced Carrot and Zucchini Fritters, a delightful vegetarian dish perfect for any occasion. Inspired by traditional bhaji recipes, these fritters combine the wholesome goodness of grated carrots and zucchini with aromatic spices like garam masala and chili powder. Whether you're looking for an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish, these fritters are easy to prepare and offer a deliciously crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. With a side of sweet mango chutney, these vibrant fritters will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Perfect for vegetarian diets and suitable for gatherings, they are a great way to eat your veggies while enjoying bold Asian-inspired flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Besan flour (chickpea flour)
1 cup (sifted)
Cooking salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Cold water
1/2 cup (as needed)
Ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Garam masala
1 teaspoon (spice blend)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Brown onions
2 small (160 grams) (thinly sliced)
Medium carrot
1 (120 grams) (coarsely grated)
Zucchini
1 (120 grams) (coarsely grated)
Coriander leaves
1/2 cup (loosely packed, fresh)
Vegetable oil
for deep frying (as needed)
Mango chutney
1 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the besan flour, cooking salt, and cold water until you obtain a smooth, thick batter.
2
Add the ground turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and crushed garlic to the batter, stirring well to combine all the spices evenly.
3
Incorporate the thinly sliced onions, coarsely grated carrot, coarsely grated zucchini, and loosely packed coriander leaves into the mixture, ensuring everything is well coated with the batter.
4
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium heat until hot enough for frying.
5
Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the fritters are golden brown and the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7
Serve the fritters warm with a side of mango chutney for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Spiced Carrot and Zucchini Fritters?
They are a delightful vegetarian dish inspired by traditional bhaji recipes, featuring grated carrots, zucchini, and aromatic spices like garam masala.
What is the primary flour used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one cup of sifted besan flour, which is also known as chickpea flour.
Are these fritters suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these fritters are 100% vegetarian and made with plant-based ingredients.
What spices give these fritters their flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of ground turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and crushed garlic.
How do I prepare the batter?
Whisk together the besan flour, cooking salt, and cold water until you obtain a smooth, thick batter before adding spices.
Can I use a substitute for besan flour?
While besan flour provides the traditional bhaji texture and flavor, you could try other bean flours, though results may vary.
Which vegetables are included in the fritters?
The fritters contain thinly sliced brown onions, coarsely grated carrot, and coarsely grated zucchini.
How should the carrot and zucchini be prepared?
Both the carrot and the zucchini should be coarsely grated to ensure they cook properly while providing texture.
What is the best oil for frying these fritters?
Vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How long does it take to fry the fritters?
Fry the fritters in batches for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
How can I tell when the fritters are cooked through?
The fritters are done when the exterior is golden brown and the interior vegetables are tender.
Is it possible to bake these instead of deep-frying?
While deep-frying provides the best crunch, you can attempt to bake them, though they may be less crispy.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the fritters warm with a side of sweet mango chutney for dipping.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for two crushed garlic cloves to be mixed into the batter.
How spicy are these fritters?
They have a zesty kick from the chili powder and garam masala, which can be adjusted to your taste preference.
Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?
Yes, because it uses besan (chickpea) flour, these fritters are naturally gluten-free.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil.
What is the expected texture of the fritters?
They should have a deliciously crispy exterior with a tender and flavorful vegetable interior.
Can I store leftover fritters?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat them in a hot oven or an air fryer to help restore their original crispiness.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other grated vegetables like sweet potato or finely chopped spinach.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe specifies two small brown onions, which should be thinly sliced.
Should I peel the zucchini before grating?
It is not necessary to peel the zucchini; simply wash it and grate it with the skin on.
How much water is required for the batter?
You will need 1/2 cup of cold water to create the thick batter base.
What does mango chutney add to the dish?
Mango chutney provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory and spiced flavors of the fritters.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Fresh vegetables are preferred because frozen ones may release too much moisture and make the batter watery.
Why is cold water used in the batter?
Using cold water helps keep the batter light and results in a crispier texture when fried.
Can I substitute fresh coriander?
If you don't have fresh coriander, you can use fresh parsley or a smaller amount of dried coriander.
What exactly is garam masala?
Garam masala is an aromatic South Asian spice blend that usually includes cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, and cardamom.
Are these fritters suitable for a party appetizer?
Absolutely, they are perfect as a snack or appetizer for gatherings and are easy to eat with your hands.