Crispy Vegetable Nuggets: A Delightful and Healthy Snack

If you’re searching for a tasty and nutritious snack that’s easy to make, look no further than these crispy vegetable nuggets. Combining the goodness of vegetables with a delightful crunch, these nuggets are perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re great for an evening snack, a party appetizer, or even a lunchbox treat. Best of all, they are simple to prepare and pack a flavorful punch that everyone will love.

Preparation Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes, mashed
  • 2 tbsp green peas, boiled
  • 2 tbsp capsicum, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup carrot, grated
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chaat masala
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for the mixture)
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/4 cup water (to make the slurry)
  • Extra bread crumbs for coating
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetable Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, green peas, capsicum, and carrot. Mix well until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
  2. Add chili flakes, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and chaat masala to the vegetable mixture. Stir until all the spices are well incorporated.
  3. Mix in 1/4 cup of bread crumbs to help bind the mixture.

Form the Nuggets

  1. Take a small portion of the vegetable mixture and shape it into nuggets. You can make them round or slightly flattened based on your preference.

Prepare the Slurry and Coating

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until you get a smooth slurry.
  2. Place some extra bread crumbs in a separate dish for coating.

Coat the Nuggets

  1. Dip each nugget first into the slurry, ensuring it is completely wet.
  2. Immediately roll the wet nugget in the bread crumbs, coating it evenly. Set aside on a plate.

Fry the Nuggets

  1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded nuggets to the oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy vegetable nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, a creamy herb dip, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the nuggets to prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • For a healthier version, you can bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Nutritional Benefits

These vegetable nuggets are packed with essential nutrients:

  • Potatoes provide potassium and vitamin C.
  • Green peas are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and protein.
  • Carrots offer beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants.
  • Capsicum (bell peppers) are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: These nuggets are completely vegetarian.
  • Vegan: To make them vegan, substitute regular bread crumbs with vegan bread crumbs and use water instead of any milk in the slurry.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy vegetable nuggets are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. They offer a great way to include more vegetables in your diet, especially for picky eaters. Their delightful crunch and savory flavor make them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the ease of preparation makes them a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or spontaneous get-togethers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crispy vegetable nuggets are a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make snack that everyone will enjoy. With their crunchy exterior and flavorful, veggie-packed interior, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthier take on a classic snack!