By: redchilliesPosted on

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The concept of making these vegetable balls is borrowed from the famous dish Vegetable Manchurian. The kiddo is fond of Gobi or the Vegetable Manchurian, however he is not fond of the sauce. So I have used the idea and made only the vegetable balls. I use my trusty Aebleskiver Pan for making these vegetables balls that way I do not have to deep fry these, making it healthier. Plus I do not use MSG/ajinomoto and hence it is safe for the kids to eat.

 For all those unfamiliar with this pan, the Aebleskiver Pan can be used for making low-fat version of pakodas, vadas, bhajjis. The Appe (Konkani cooking word) is also referred to as “Ponganalu/Paniyaram/Uniyappam”. I have found very favorable results by using this pan and this forms a healthier alternative to the deep fired variety. To see how the Aebleskiver pan/skillet looks like check here. 

 You can also check other recipes using this skillet: Dahi Vada (Appe ), Malai Kofta Curry,  Masala Vada, Instant Sooji Onion Appe, Low Fat Methi Pakodas (Appey Style).

 Please note that making these balls from start to finish is a little bit time consuming process; so plan ahead. However the taste of these veggie balls is delicious and kid appealing 🙂

I have started a new section on my blog called the “Kid’s Recipe Corner” which has a listing of Kid’s recipes from my blog. If you have any snack idea, lunch box idea that you would like to share, then please feel free to do so. I would love to hear from you.

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Ingredients:

  • Vegetables ( cauliflower+cabbage+carrots+broccoli) [After chopping grating should yield about 2 cups of veggies]
  • 4 Tbsp corn flour
  • 1 Tbsp All Purpose flour/maida 9add more)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 Tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • ½ Tbsp ginger grated
  • Crushed/milled pepper
  • Red chili powder (optional)
  • oil
  • Salt per taste 

Note: I use Aebleskiver Pan for making these vegetables balls that way I do not have to deep fry these, making them healthier. These are crisp on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside.

Yields:

Approximately 25 balls.

Method:

  • Chop/grate the vegetables very finely. I use this chopper here and pulse all the vegetables (except onions) together.
  • Heat a heavy bottom pan, add some oil. Light cook the veggies along with salt until the raw smell/taste is gone. Let it cool.
  • In a bowl mix together the cooked vegetables; add some ketchup, soy sauce, onions, grated ginger, crushed/milled pepper, chilli powder.
  • Add the chopped coriander leaves, corn flour, AP flour and mix thoroughly and keep aside covered for 45 minutes. Check for taste; if necessary add salt, chillies etc.
  • You will notice that the vegetable mixture has become thicker.
  • Heat the Aebleskiver pan/ Appe skillet and add 1 tsp oil into each groove.
  • Make sure that the oil has become hot (not smoking hot). Drop a bit of batter to test and if you hear the sizzling sound, the oil is of the right temperature.
  • Take the batter and with hands shape them into small balls. Place the balls into each of the grove.
  • Reduce the heat a little bit at this time. After 30 seconds or so turn the balls with a steel spoon and let is cook on the other side.
  • These balls get cooked and brown fast. Make sure the balls do not turn dark brown or black in color. The one in the middle is the one that gets dark fast.
  • Let the remaining veggie balls cook correctly and turn them when done.

Eat them warm as is or with ketchup.

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Categories: Appetizers / Snacks, Easy Vegetarian Recipes, Kid Friendly Recipes, Low Fat Recipes

32 Replies to “Healthy Kids Snack: Vegetable Balls”

  1. You and Sandeepa are making me pull out my Paniyaram pan right now and start experimenting too. Veg balls looks so yummy. Can pop in a few with my coffee or Tea!:)

  2. Innovative idea to sneak in veggies in kids meal, also since its not deep fried no need to worry about unwanted calories.. nice clicks too..

  3. We have to be on the same wavelength today! I sent you an email about the Aebelskr pan not an hour ago and you have a recipe using them. Love the idea of veggie balls. Will definitely try on my picky guy as soon as I buy the pan. 🙂

  7. vege balls looks awesome.. The aeb. pan is really useful..I made koftas in them yesterday..will post the recipe soon..

  8. They work great as appetizers am assuming! 🙂 you could even serve this with pasta for the little boy?

    Its pretty simple!

  9. Aw, that’s LOVELY!
    Look amazingly beautiful! My nephew’s gonna love it! He actually hates veggies, but anything that looks merely friend, he tucks in! 😀
    Oh, and your pics………….. Book Worthy!

  10. I m bookmarking all these for my lil one….already she is a fussy eater like me 😉 The veg balls are absolutely yum

  12. Dear its so ez for u to cook for ur kid bcoz he dosn love many fussy things…:P
    this ones really lovely… i must give a try nd using tht pan sounds so so healthy 🙂

  14. They look perfect for an afternoon snack and I’m sure kids are going to gobble them up in no time. Thanks for the recipe, will definitely try these.

  17. Asha, you need to definitely try using the paniyaram pan. It is easy and also guilt free. But then you pay the price and cleaning it is a pain though 🙁

    Thanks PS. You could not have said it better. Come up with some fancy names for these balls and they wil take liking to it.

    Thanks Jaya. What a co-incidence and reminds me of that famous saying “Great minds think alike” 🙂 🙂 Got your email, will reply soon. This pan come in very handy expecially for kids.

    Thanks a bunch Rajee.

  18. Thanks Meeso, hope you get a chance to try it.

    Thanks ISG, you are way too kind with your words. Genius and I do not go together 🙂

    Thanks Sowmya. I agree, this pan is very useful and so glad I have one. hey, I make koftas in this pan too and they sure are a hit. I have posted Malai koftas somewhere.

    Thanks N. What a clever idea, next time around I will serve it with pasta and that should make up his lunch box. Cool!

  20. I second you on that no use of msg RC. Love the look of those veggie balls! And they are perfectly round in shape … anything that I make in the appe pan has one rounded side and a flat side. 🙂

  21. This recipe comes right in time that I have to go low on oil Supriya. I shall put my paniyarakkal to use for all these goodies otherwise deep fried 🙂

  23. Hi Supriya,

    first time here.. ur blog is loaded with yummy recipes.. loved use of appe pan to make these..
    great Mango recipes pedha icecream

    Cheers,

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  31. Hi Supriya,
    Tried this today, it’s just awesome! Kids loved it a lot even my 1.5 yr old son enjoyed eating yummy vegetable balls.
    Thanks, Ramya

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