Mixed Vegetable Cutlet is a classic Indian snack that’s crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful blend of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and spices on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a simple yet satisfying snack, these cutlets are perfect. Served with chutney or any dipping sauce of your choice, they offer a crunchy texture and a delicious taste that everyone will love.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3-4 large boiled potatoes

• 1 cup finely chopped onions

• 1/4 cup grated carrot

• 1/4 cup green peas

• 1/2 cup bread crumb mixture

• Salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon chaat masala

• Oil for shallow frying

• For Coating:

  • 1/4 cup corn starch or potato starch

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Drain the boiled potatoes and green peas using a metal colander for 5-10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Finely chop the remaining vegetables (carrot, onion) using a food processor or electric chopper.

2. Mash the Potatoes: Peel and mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Ensure no chunks remain.

3. Make the Cutlet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, boiled peas, chopped vegetables, salt, spices, and bread crumbs. Mix well to form a smooth dough.

4. Rest the Mixture: Cover the bowl with foil and refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm up.

5. Shape the Cutlets: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small cylinders or patties. Tap the sides on the kitchen counter to flatten the edges.

6. Coat the Cutlets: Prepare a cornflour mixture by combining corn starch, water, and bread crumbs in separate bowls. Dip each cutlet in the cornflour mixture and then coat with bread crumbs.

7. Shallow Fry the Cutlets: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the cutlets in small batches, turning them occasionally, until they are crisp and golden on all sides.

8. Drain and Serve: Place the fried cutlets on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm with tomato ketchup, mint chutney, or any dipping sauce of your choice.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 144 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 31g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 1g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 67mg

• Potassium: 593mg

• Vitamin A: 1771 IU

• Vitamin C: 27mg

• Calcium: 33mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Perfect Combination of Potatoes and Vegetables

At the heart of every Mixed Vegetable Cutlet is a combination of mashed potatoes and finely chopped vegetables. Potatoes are a common base for many Indian snacks, thanks to their soft texture and mild flavor. In the cutlet, they serve as the perfect backdrop for the other ingredients, providing a smooth, creamy filling that holds together the other vegetables and spices. The addition of grated carrot, green peas, and finely chopped onions not only enhances the flavor of the cutlet but also adds color and texture, making each bite a sensory experience.

The vegetables are finely chopped or grated to ensure they blend seamlessly with the mashed potatoes, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture. The carrot adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the peas bring a subtle earthiness and a slight crunch. The onions provide a savory depth, and together, these vegetables create a delicious filling that forms the heart of the cutlet.

Spices That Bring the Cutlets to Life

What truly elevates Mixed Vegetable Cutlets is the array of spices that are mixed into the filling. Indian cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic spices, and in these cutlets, spices like red chili powder, chaat masala, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) provide a complex and well-rounded flavor profile. The red chili powder adds a mild heat, while the chaat masala imparts a tangy, zesty flavor that is characteristic of many Indian snacks. Kasuri methi, with its slightly bitter and aromatic taste, adds depth to the cutlet’s flavor, making each bite more flavorful.

The combination of these spices not only gives the cutlets their distinct taste but also adds a rich aroma that fills the kitchen as they fry. These spices are what make the cutlets uniquely Indian, providing a familiar and comforting taste that transports you to the streets of India, where these snacks are often sold by street vendors and enjoyed with chutneys and other dips.

The Role of the Coating: A Crunchy, Golden Exterior

While the filling of the Mixed Vegetable Cutlets is key to their flavor, the crispy coating is what gives them their signature texture. After shaping the cutlet mixture into patties or cylinders, they are dipped in a cornflour mixture and coated with breadcrumbs, which provides a golden, crispy exterior when shallow-fried. The cornflour helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cutlets, ensuring that they are evenly coated and fry up beautifully.

The double coating of cornflour and breadcrumbs creates a crunchy, satisfying texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft, flavorful filling. When shallow-fried in oil, the cutlets become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. This combination of textures makes each bite of the cutlet a delightful experience, with the satisfying crunch of the exterior giving way to the creamy filling inside.

Shallow Frying for a Healthier Option

While the traditional method for making cutlets often involves deep frying, shallow frying is a healthier alternative that still achieves a crisp and golden result. Shallow frying uses less oil, which reduces the overall fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavor or texture. By frying the cutlets in small batches over medium heat, the oil evenly coats the exterior of the cutlets, ensuring that they cook to a perfect golden brown without becoming greasy.

Shallow frying also gives you greater control over the cooking process, allowing you to ensure that the cutlets are cooked through and crispy on all sides. The result is a healthier version of the beloved snack, with a satisfying crunch and a rich, savory filling that everyone will enjoy.

Perfect Pairings: Dips and Accompaniments

One of the best things about Mixed Vegetable Cutlets is that they pair beautifully with a variety of dips and chutneys. In Indian cuisine, cutlets are often served with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, or cooling yogurt dips. The combination of these dips enhances the flavor of the cutlets, providing a contrast to the spiciness of the filling and balancing the richness of the fried exterior.

Tamarind chutney, with its sweet and sour flavor, pairs particularly well with the savory cutlets, offering a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the spices. Green chutney, made with fresh cilantro, mint, and green chilies, adds a zesty, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the cutlet filling. For a milder option, a simple yogurt dip or raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices can provide a cooling effect, balancing the heat of the cutlets.

You can also serve these cutlets with a side of fresh salad or a bowl of soup, such as lentil soup or tomato soup, for a more complete meal. The cutlets make a perfect snack or appetizer, but when paired with a salad or soup, they can easily be transformed into a satisfying main dish.

A Nutrient-Packed Snack

Mixed Vegetable Cutlets not only offer incredible flavor but also provide a range of nutrients. The vegetables in the filling, including carrots, peas, and potatoes, are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is important for eye health, while peas are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and iron.

The addition of kasuri methi, a source of vitamins and minerals, further boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Methi, or fenugreek, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support digestion and overall health. Combined with the spices, vegetables, and the protein from the potatoes, these cutlets provide a well-rounded and satisfying snack that offers both taste and nutrition.

Versatility and Customization

One of the most attractive aspects of Mixed Vegetable Cutlets is their versatility. While the traditional recipe calls for potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions, you can easily customize the filling to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, or cauliflower. You can also add herbs or spices to the filling to create your own unique flavor combinations.

For those who prefer a spicier version, adding green chilies or a pinch of chili powder to the filling will add an extra kick. You can also experiment with different coatings, such as using panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture or adding grated cheese to the filling for an extra layer of richness. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to adapt it to suit your taste and dietary needs.

A Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Mixed Vegetable Cutlets are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a quick meal for yourself, or serving something special for a family get-together, these cutlets make a delicious and crowd-pleasing choice. They’re quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be easily customized to suit any dietary preference.

These cutlets are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of vegetables, spices, and the crispy coating creates a hearty snack that can stand on its own or be enjoyed with other dishes. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, Mixed Vegetable Cutlets are sure to be a hit every time.

Conclusion: A Timeless Snack with Endless Appeal

In conclusion, Mixed Vegetable Cutlets are a timeless and versatile snack that brings together the best of Indian flavors in a crispy, satisfying package. With their flavorful filling, crunchy exterior, and endless pairing possibilities, these cutlets offer a delicious and healthy option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty appetizer, or a side dish, Mixed Vegetable Cutlets are a great choice that will never disappoint. With their rich taste, simple preparation, and customizable nature, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.