Savory Rice Veggie Bites

by

These Savory Rice Veggie Bites are a fantastic way to transform leftover rice into something extraordinary. Mixed with fresh vegetables and spices, these bites offer a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, savory interior. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to impress with their delightful texture and robust flavor.

Ideal for any time of the day but especially great as an evening snack, these bites are not only delicious but also a healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. By incorporating vegetables and spices, each bite is packed with nutrients, making it both satisfying and guilt-free. They are perfect for sharing and can be customized with various dips to enhance their flavor.

Full Recipe:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 Cup Cooked Rice
    • ¼ Cup Carrot, finely chopped
    • ¼ Cup Cabbage, shredded
    • ¼ Cup Green Beans, finely chopped
    • 2 Tbsp Onion, finely chopped
    • 2 Green Chilli, minced
    • ¼ Tsp Turmeric Powder
    • ½ Tsp Chilli Powder
    • ½ Tsp Cumin Seeds
    • ½ Tsp Coriander Powder
    • ½ Tsp Salt
    • 2 Tbsp Green Onion, chopped
    • 2 Tbsp Coriander Leaves, chopped
    • ¾ Cup Gram Flour (Add Gradually)
    • Oil for frying
    • Salt to taste
    • Water as needed
  • Directions:
    1. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, carrot, cabbage, green beans, onion, green chilli, turmeric powder, chilli powder, cumin, coriander powder, salt, green onion, and coriander leaves.
    2. Gradually add gram flour and water as needed to form a thick batter.
    3. Grease your hands with oil and shape the mixture into small patties or balls.
    4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
    5. Fry the patties or balls in the hot oil for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    6. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
    7. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Economical and Eco-Friendly: Utilizing leftover rice helps minimize food waste, making this recipe both budget-friendly and environmentally friendly.
  • Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables, these bites offer a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Customizable: The basic recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or corn to tailor it to your taste or to use up whatever you have in your fridge.
  • Great for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual family snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish for your dinner, these bites are versatile and sure to please any crowd.

Health Benefits

  • High in Fiber: The combination of vegetables and gram flour makes these bites a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for good digestive health.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like carrots, green beans, and green onions are loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.
  • Low in Calories: Despite being fried, each serving is relatively low in calories, making it a guilt-free option for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Savory Rice Veggie Bites hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Mint Yogurt Dip: Combine yogurt with fresh mint, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing dip.
  • Spicy Tomato Sauce: Mix tomato sauce with a bit of chili powder or hot sauce for a simple yet spicy kick.
  • Tamarind Chutney: For a sweet and tangy flavor, tamarind chutney makes an excellent accompaniment.

Preparation Tips

  • Consistency is Key: When forming your patties or balls, make sure the batter isn’t too dry or too wet. Adjust the amount of gram flour and water gradually to get the perfect moldable consistency.
  • Uniform Sizes: To ensure even cooking, shape the bites into uniform sizes. This helps in achieving the perfect crispiness throughout.
  • Keep It Crispy: To keep the bites crispy, serve them immediately after frying, or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if they’ve cooled down.

With these Savory Rice Veggie Bites, you’ll have a quick, delicious way to enjoy leftover rice that goes beyond the usual stir-fry or rice pudding. They’re bound to become a new favorite in your home!