Crispy Vegetable Cutlets
IndianSnack

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

These Crispy Vegetable Cutlets are a quintessential Indian snack that combines nutrition with incredible taste. Boiled and mashed potatoes form the base, mixed with finely chopped carrots, green peas, and a medley of traditional spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Each cutlet is shaped into perfect rounds or ovals, coated in breadcrumbs for extra crunch, and shallow-fried until golden brown. The exterior becomes wonderfully crispy while the inside remains soft and flavorful. These versatile cutlets work beautifully as an evening snack with chai, party appetizers, or even as a burger patty substitute. The combination of vegetables makes them wholesome, while the spices deliver that authentic Indian street food flavor that everyone loves.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly, then peel and mash them smoothly in a large mixing bowl.|2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for 10 seconds.|3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.|4. Add grated ginger and minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.|5. Add finely chopped carrots and green peas. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender.|6. Add turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.|7. Turn off heat and let the vegetable mixture cool completely.|8. Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until well combined.|9. Add chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Mix again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.|10. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into round or oval patties about 1/2 inch thick.|11. Set up a breading station: place breadcrumbs in one shallow dish.|12. Coat each cutlet evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well.|13. Heat 3-4 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat.|14. Once oil is hot, carefully place 4-5 cutlets in the pan without overcrowding.|15. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula.|16. Remove cutlets and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.|17. Repeat with remaining cutlets, adding more oil as needed.|18. Serve hot with mint chutney, ketchup, or tamarind chutney.

Crispy Vegetable Cutlets

4.3 (68)

Golden-fried vegetable patties made with mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, and aromatic Indian spices, served with tangy mint chutney. A beloved teatime snack across India.

medium
45 min
6 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 2 pieces carrots, finely chopped or grated
  • 1/2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
  • 1 pieces onions, finely chopped

Aromatics

  • 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoons coriander, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Herbs

  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Flavor Enhancers

  • 1/2 pieces lemon, juiced

Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

For Frying

  • 6 tablespoons vegetable-oil

Chef Tips

expert advice
For best results, ensure the potato mixture is completely cooled before shaping cutlets, as warm mixture will be difficult to handle.
You can add finely chopped green chilies for extra heat.
For a healthier version, brush cutlets with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
These cutlets can be shaped ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying.
For a vegan version, these are naturally egg-free and dairy-free.
Add finely chopped beetroot for a colorful pink variation.
The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or omitting cayenne pepper for children.
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.