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Hara Bhara Kabab: Green, Healthy & Air-Fried

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Hara Bhara Kabab is a wholesome, nutrient-rich Indian snack made from spinach, green peas, potatoes, and aromatic spices. Air-fried for a crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside, these kababs are perfect as an appetizer, evening snack, or party starter.

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chef Ankita Singh
Hara Bhara Kabab

Hara Bhara Kabab is a popular North Indian vegetarian starter known for its vibrant green color and healthy ingredients. Traditionally shallow- or deep-fried, this air fryer version is lighter without compromising on flavor or texture.

The kababs get their name — hara bhara meaning “full of greens” — from blanched spinach and peas, which are blended into a smooth paste with coriander, green chilies, and ginger. This paste is mixed with boiled potatoes, spices, chickpea flour, and breadcrumbs to form a firm mixture that shapes easily into patties.

A cashew pressed into the center not only adds a royal touch but also gives a pleasant crunch. Air frying makes them golden and slightly crisp outside while keeping them soft inside. These kababs are gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and are an excellent way to sneak greens into kids’ diets.

Serve them hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup for a satisfying and healthy snack.

Step 1

Blanch the Spinach & Peas

Heat 2–3 cups of water in a pan over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, add sugar and stir to dissolve.

Add spinach and green peas; cook for 2 minutes.

Drain immediately using a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Drain thoroughly.

Step 2

Make the Green Paste

In a blender, combine blanched spinach, peas, coriander, green chilies, ginger, and 1 tbsp water.

Blend into a smooth paste, scraping the sides as needed.

Mixing the Paste
Step 3

Prepare the Kabab Mixtur

Transfer the green paste of spinach, peas, coriander green chilies to a mixing bowl

Add grated potatoes, chickpea flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, salt, dry mango powder, and garam masala. 

Mix until well combined and firm enough to shape.

Preparing the mixture
Step 4

Shape the Kabab

Take a lime-sized portion and roll into a smooth ball

Flatten gently into a patty and press a cashew half into the center

Shape remaining mixture the same way.

Shaping the Hara Bhara Kebab
Step 5

Air Fry the Kabab

Preheat air fryer to 180°C (356°F)

Arrange kababs in a single layer in the basket. Brush lightly with oil.

Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned.

Air Fry the Kabab
Step 6

Serve

Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Hara Bhara Kabab

Tips and Tricks

  1. Firm mixture — If the mixture feels sticky, add extra breadcrumbs. If too dry, add 1–2 tsp water.
  2. Extra crispness — Brush with a little more oil before air frying.
  3. No cashews? — Skip or replace with a small cube of paneer for a surprise center.
  4. Freeze for later — Shape uncooked kababs and freeze; air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cooking time.
  5. Low-spice version — Reduce green chilies for a milder flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, just pulse fresh bread in a blender to make soft crumbs, but they may make the kababs slightly softer.

 Yes, shallow fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

 Yes, they’re already vegan unless you add paneer or ghee. Skip cashews for nut-free.

 They pair beautifully with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt dip.

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