Introduction:

 

Let me take you back to a rainy day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Veg Lollipops. It was one of those days when I was craving something crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying. As I scrolled through my recipe book, I came across this gem of a recipe. The idea of turning mixed vegetables into bite-sized lollipops intrigued me, and I decided to give it a try. From the moment I took the first crunchy bite, I was hooked. The combination of flavors and textures was simply irresistible, and Veg Lollipops quickly became a favorite snack in my household. Whether it's for a cozy movie night or a fun get-together with friends, these Veg Lollipops never fail to impress.

 

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Recipe of Veg Lollipops

 

Ingredients:

Ingredients of Veg Lollipops

For the Lollipop Mixture:

• Cauliflower: ½ cup, finely chopped

• Carrot: ½ cup, finely chopped

• French beans: ½ cup, finely chopped

• Corn kernels: ½ cup

• Green peas: ½ cup

• Oil: 1 ½ tbsp

• Cumin seeds (jeera): 1 tsp

• Ginger, chopped: 1 tbsp

• Green chilli, chopped: 2 tsp

• Salt: 1 tsp

• Red chilli powder: 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder: ½ tsp

• Coriander powder: 1 tbsp

• Garam masala: ½ tsp

• Water: as required

• Potato, boiled & peeled: 3 pcs, grated

• Fresh coriander, chopped: 1 tbsp

• Chaat masala: 1 tsp

• Bread crumbs: 2 tbsp

For the Slurry:

• Refined flour (maida): ½ cup

• Salt: a pinch

• Red chilli powder: a pinch

• Turmeric powder: a pinch

• Water: as required

Other Ingredients:

• Bread crumbs: 1 cup

• Ice-cream sticks: 9-10 pcs

• Oil: for deep frying

• Tomato ketchup: for serving

 

Instructions:

Instructions of Veg Lollipops

Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop all the vegetables (cauliflower, carrot, French beans) and set them aside. This ensures uniform cooking and better texture for the lollipops.

Saute the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped ginger and green chilli, sauté until fragrant and lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor of the dish.

Add Chopped Vegetables: Add the finely chopped vegetables, corn kernels, and green peas to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized, which adds a rich taste.

Season and Spice: Season the sautéed vegetables with salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook for 5-8 minutes, allowing the spices to blend well with the vegetables. Let the mixture cool before proceeding.

Prepare the Lollipop Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated boiled potatoes with the cooled vegetable mixture. Add chaat masala, chopped fresh coriander, and bread crumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Prepare the Slurry: In another bowl, mix refined flour with a pinch of salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Gradually add water to make a smooth, coating-consistency slurry.

Shape the Lollipops: Take a portion of the vegetable mixture, insert an ice-cream stick into the center, and shape it into a lollipop. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Coat the Lollipops: Dip each lollipop into the prepared slurry, ensuring it's evenly coated. Then roll it in bread crumbs to form a crispy outer layer.

Deep Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated lollipops and fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil by placing them on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot Veg Lollipops with tomato ketchup on the side. Enjoy them as a delightful appetizer or snack!

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Veg Lollipops are a popular vegetarian appetizer or snack that originated in Indian cuisine. These bite-sized delights are made by shaping a mixture of finely chopped mixed vegetables into lollipop-like shapes, coating them in a seasoned batter, and deep-frying them until golden and crispy. The term "lollipop" comes from the way these snacks are presented, with a stick inserted into each one, resembling a lollipop. Veg Lollipops are not only delicious but also versatile, as they can be customized with various spices and seasonings to suit individual tastes. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or even as a side dish, Veg Lollipops are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Ensure that the mixed vegetables are finely chopped to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture.
2. Season the batter well with spices like chili powder, garam masala, and chaat masala for added flavor.
3. Use a toothpick or skewer to shape the vegetable mixture into lollipop-like shapes before coating them in the batter.
4. Heat the oil to the right temperature before frying the Veg Lollipops to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
5. Serve the Veg Lollipops hot with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney for maximum enjoyment.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Veg Lollipops pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or spicy tomato ketchup. They also go well with a refreshing beverage like lemonade or iced tea. For a complete meal, serve Veg Lollipops alongside other Indian appetizers like samosas, pakoras, or chaat.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Veg Lollipops:

 

1. What are Veg Lollipops? Veg Lollipops are bite-sized vegetarian snacks made by shaping a mixture of finely chopped mixed vegetables into lollipop-like shapes, coating them in a seasoned batter, and deep-frying them until golden and crispy.

2. Can I use frozen mixed vegetables for making Veg Lollipops? Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables for making Veg Lollipops. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

3. Is it necessary to deep-fry Veg Lollipops, or can they be baked? While deep-frying gives Veg Lollipops a crispy texture, you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative. Simply brush the shaped lollipops with oil and bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.

4. Can I make Veg Lollipops ahead of time and reheat them later? Yes, you can make Veg Lollipops ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or an air fryer until warmed through and crispy before serving.

5. Can Veg Lollipops be made gluten-free? Yes, you can make gluten-free Veg Lollipops by using gluten-free flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour in the batter.

6. Are Veg Lollipops suitable for vegans? Veg Lollipops can be made vegan by omitting the use of eggs in the batter and using a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.

7. What are the best vegetables to use for Veg Lollipops? You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, beans, cabbage, bell peppers, and corn for making Veg Lollipops. Choose vegetables that are firm and have a good crunch.

8. Can I make Veg Lollipops without deep-frying them? Yes, you can make Veg Lollipops without deep-frying them by shallow-frying them in a pan or air-frying them until crispy.

9. How do I prevent Veg Lollipops from becoming soggy? To prevent Veg Lollipops from becoming soggy, make sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables before shaping them into lollipops and frying them in hot oil until golden and crispy.

10. Can I serve Veg Lollipops as a main course dish? While Veg Lollipops are typically served as an appetizer or snack, you can also serve them as a main course dish alongside rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

 

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