Veg Paneer Kabab

During long weekend we planned a potluck picnic in a nearby park and my job was to prepare appetizers. I had to make something that can be prepared in advance, liked by kids and tastes good even when served cold and of course, something that is easy to carry. I asked for suggestions and people came up with ideas like cutlets or vegetable patties. (Last time I had prepared Alu-vada for the same group and was well received)

I liked the idea of cutlets and I thought to add tasty twist by increasing quantities of veggies, adding paneer and adding besan for binding instead of only conventional bread crumbs. Kabab is generally referred to middle eastern dish made of meat which is roasted, grilled or stewed or sometimes even fried. I replaced meat with mashed potatoes and here is my delicious version of veg kabab!

Makes 50-55 kababs

Preparation Time: 30 Minute

Cooking Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

6 cup mashed potato (About 9-10 medium pc, approx. 2.5 lb)

1 cup chopped carrot

1 cup chopped green beans

1/2 cup peas

1/2 cup green pepper

1 cup paneer, crumbled

1/2 cup besan/gram flour

1.5 cup bread crumbs

2 tbsp green chili paste

1 tbsp ginger paste

2 tsp oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp sesame seeds

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp lemon/lime juice

1 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp clove-cinnamon powder

Salt

Oil for frying

Procedure

1. Boil and mash potatoes, keep them aside

2. Dry roast besan on low flame until it turns pink/light brown and add it to potato mixture

3. Heat oil in skillet, add cumin seeds, sesame seeds and all veggies

4. Lightly cook veggies uncovered on medium flame, stirring in between

5. Add paneer, mix well and turn off the heat

6. Once this mixture cools down, add it to mashed potatoes

7. Add remaining spices and bread crumbs, mix well

8. Make small patties (I made oval shaped) and shallow fry them on both sides until golden brown. If they fall apart or do not come out crispy, add more bread crumbs and/or besan

Serve warm with chutney (We had them at room temperature and they tasted perfect)