Appetizers

Indian Appetizers Veg | Indian Starters Veg | Vegetarian Indian Appetizers – Indulge in flavorful vegetarian delights, ideal for every occasion!


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Chole Tikki (Chickpeas Patties)

Appetizers, Chaat, Gluten Free

Chola Tikki is a spicy snack. Tikkis are also known as a chat. Just the smell of Tikki can make you hungry.

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Vegetable Cutlets

Appetizers, Vegan

Vegetable cutlets are filled with a great blend of vegetables and spices. These are great as an appetizer, afternoon snack with tea, or as a side dish with dinner.

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Mathri (Salted Crackers)

Appetizers, Snacks, Vegan

Mathris are similar to salted crisp crackers and are a very popular afternoon snack. Traditionally, mathris are served with spicy pickles.

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Spicy Potatoes

Appetizers, Gluten Free, Vegan

Spicy potatoes are a great dish to serve for appetizer, snack or side dish.

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Khasta Kachori

Appetizers, Breads, Snacks, Vegan

Khasta Kachori is a delicious, spicy, fried puff pastry. Kachoris are great as an appetizer or as part of a festive meal for any occasion.

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Vegetable Pakoras

Appetizers, Gluten Free, Vegan

Pakoras are an all-time favorite snack in India- perfect for a rainy day at home or at night for a cocktail party! Pakoras are delicious paired with a cup of hot spicy Indian Chai.

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Sweet Potato Chaat (Shakarkandi)

Appetizers, Chaat, Snacks, Vegan

I have been wanting to make a sweet potato chaat (Shakarkandi Chaat) for some time now. It’s a savory and flavorful chaat, which also happens to be a very popular Delhi street food. I have tried to make this recipe many times but never quite perfected it! Last weekend I had the honor of being a guest judge for a cooking contest which was conducted virtually over Zoom! The contest was for the best air fryer recipe. The winner of this contest, Rashmi Sabjur, happened to make an eggplant chaat. While she was discussing her creative recipe, I got the idea of making a sweet potato chaat in the air fryer. Many people ask me how I am inspired to come up with new recipes…well the answer is people like Rashmi, and of course you all, my viewers! Traditionally, sweet potatoes are cooked over coal, cut into small pieces, and drizzled with lemon juice and spices to make it delicious and flavorful. This spicy chaat is also had a nice crunch. Try this recipe out soon! A special thank you to Rashmi for inspiring me to perfect sweet potato chaat!

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Khasta Kachori Besan

Appetizers, Snacks

Khasta kachori is a delicacy from north India. Khasta kachori is a spicy puffed pastry. Kachories are made with a variety of different filling, and I have many recipes for Khasta Kachori. They are my favorite over samosa. Maybe one of the reasons is I can prepare them even a few days before and can be served at room temperature and served many different ways, even serving as chaat. Traditionally kachori is sold at HALWAI (a sweet and snack shop). Today, I am using spicy besan filling. These mouthwatering Kachories can be served as a snack, chaat or part of the main meal, making the meal exotic.

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Zucchini Lentil Pakoras

Appetizers, Gluten Free, Vegan

As pakoras are one of the most welcoming snacks all over India. It is a popular street food. Everyone has their own favorites and there are countless recipes. Pakoras are a very comforting snack especially when it is cold, and it is raining. Here, we are experiencing both and I am wishing for pakoras with a hot cup of chai, blanket and a good TV show or movie. In a particular magazine, I saw a fusion pakora recipe. Instead of using traditional beasn batter, the chef had used red lentil batter. Several times, I have used moong dal batter, but I never even thought about using red lentil. I was ready to give it a try with another pakora recipe using lentil batter. I made some changes and added chopped ginger that added a nice kick to the pakoras. They turned out to be mouthwatering appetizers: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These pakoras are addicting! These work as a tasty pairing with your afternoon tea or a spicy delicious snack before any meal. These pakoras have a different crispness but are very delightful. Give these pakoras a try and enjoy! These Pakoras are also vegan and gluten-free.

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Apple Banana Pakora, Bhajia, Fritters

Appetizers, Gluten Free, Vegan

Apple and Banana Pakoras! Pakoras are an all-time favorite snack amongst everyone. Pakoras are made in so many ways using a variety of vegetables and lentils. Apple and Banana Pakoras were suggested by my friend Rajni from India. It sounds different because I never tried these pakoras. I decided to give it a try. I know she enjoys sweet and spicy combinations of flavors. These pakoras are crispy from the outside and soft from the inside. These Pakoras are also vegan and gluten-free. Give it a try and share your experience.

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Spicy Namak Para (Masala Paras)

Appetizers, Snacks

Spicy Namak Para is a crispy and savory snack that’s perfect for the holiday season. Not only is this a popular snack, but it is also easy to make. This particular recipe is a twist on traditional Namak Paras with added spices to make it even more flavorful. You can always experiment with different variations by adding your choice of flavors! Spicy Namak Para taste especially delicious with a hot cup of chai. They also make for a simple but special homemade gift. It’s also an easy road trip snack when traveling with your family!

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Mexican Refried Beans and Salsa

Appetizers, Gluten Free, Vegan

My ultimate favorite cuisine is of course Indian. But I must say that Mexican and Italian cuisines are close seconds! Overall, I enjoy trying new cuisines with a variety of flavors. After coming to the United States, Mexican cuisine was the first new cuisine I tried. As you already know, I have a story behind every dish.

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Punjabi Samosa

Appetizers

Samosas are probably the most popular Indian snack, and street food. Samosas when paired with cilantro chutney are simply out of this world. I think they are universally loved and hard to resist. I have made variations and minor changes to my samosa recipe over the years. Check out my new and improved recipe for this family favorite!

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Scalloped Potatoes (Spicy Baked Potatoes) in Creamy Sauce

Appetizers, Fusion

Scalloped Potatoes are a classic dish with layers of potatoes topped with a delicious creamy sauce! It is the perfect comfort food and side dish to any meal.

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Crispy Vegetable Pakoras

Appetizers, Gluten Free, Snacks, Vegan

Crispy Vegetable Pakoras are probably my all-time favorite and satisfying appetizer. They are perfect for any occasion, not to mention they are a favorite with all –young or old! These bite-sized snacks are fried to crispy golden-brown perfection. I serve pakoras with tamarind or cilantro chutney. When cooked right they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These pakoras also have the added benefits of being vegan and gluten-free.

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