Crispy Cabbage Fritters are a delightful snack or appetizer, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy vegetables in a flavorful, crunchy form. With a golden crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, these fritters are packed with the goodness of cabbage and seasoned to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dish or a simple side to pair with your meal, these fritters offer a great balance of textures and flavors. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make!
Ingredients:
- For the Fritters:
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional for added sweetness and color)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup rice flour (for extra crispiness, optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large egg (or use a flax egg for a vegan version)
- 2-3 tablespoons water (or as needed)
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (or your preferred frying oil)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by shredding the cabbage finely, either using a sharp knife, a box grater, or a food processor. This will help the fritters hold together better and cook evenly.
- If using, grate the carrot and chop the onions and green chilies.
- Make the Fritter Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped onion, and cilantro.
- Add the flour, rice flour (if using), cornstarch, baking powder, cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Crack in the egg (or add the flax egg) and mix everything together.
- Gradually add water to bind the mixture together, stirring until you get a thick batter that holds its shape. Be careful not to add too much water—it should be a thick batter, not runny.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, scoop spoonfuls of the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form small fritters.
- Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve your crispy cabbage fritters hot with a tangy dipping sauce or chutney of your choice (yogurt-based, tamarind, or mint chutney works wonderfully).
- They make an excellent snack, side dish, or even a light meal when paired with a salad.
Tips for Perfect Fritters:
- For extra crispiness: You can substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornflour, which will help make the fritters even crispier.
- Flax Egg Substitute: If you’re making this recipe vegan, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, left to sit for 5 minutes).
- Make-ahead Option: You can prep the fritter batter and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before frying.
Enjoy!
These crispy cabbage fritters are a crowd-pleaser, with the perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and spice. Perfect as an appetizer or a light snack that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
