During Ramadan, the daily fast is broken with a meal called Iftar, a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate. Crispy box patties are a delightful and versatile dish that perfectly complements an Iftar spread. These savory treats feature a flavorful chicken and vegetable filling encased in a crispy, golden brown shell.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Made with readily available ingredients and requiring minimal prep work, these box patties are perfect for busy kitchens during the holy month. They can also be prepared in advance and frozen, making them a lifesaver for those evenings when you’re short on time.
So ditch the takeout menus and create this delicious homemade treat to share with your loved ones!
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup boiled, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Dough Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Water (enough to make a paste)
Assembly:
- Samosa sheets (or spring roll wrappers)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots and bell pepper to the pan and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Cabbage: Stir in the boiled, shredded chicken and chopped cabbage. Cook for a couple of minutes until heated through.
- Season the Filling: Add the salt, black pepper powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, chili sauce, and soy sauce to the pan. Mix well and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Dough Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with a little water at a time until a thick paste forms. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
- Assemble the Box Patties: Lay out a samosa sheet (or spring roll wrapper) on a flat surface. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold and Seal the Patties: Fold the bottom of the wrapper up over the filling. Brush the edges with the prepared dough slurry to seal. Fold the sides of the wrapper inwards, then fold the top down to create a rectangular box shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Use the remaining dough slurry to seal the final closure. Repeat this process with the remaining samosa sheets and filling.
- Fry the Patties: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F / 175°C), carefully add the box patties and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Drain the fried box patties on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chutney or ketchup.
More Information:
- Feel free to adjust the spice level of the filling to your preference. You can add a chopped green chili pepper for an extra kick, or omit the red chili powder for a milder flavor.
- If you don’t have samosa sheets, you can use spring roll wrappers instead.
- These box patties can be prepared in advance and frozen for later use. Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry the frozen patties directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
Crispy box patties are a delicious and satisfying addition to your Ramadan Iftar table. With their easy preparation, flavorful filling, and crispy exterior, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, get creative with the fillings, and enjoy the taste of homemade comfort food during this special time of year.