Arvi Kebab
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these savory taro root patties are a delightful change from the usual potato tikki. Spiced with classic Indian masalas, they make for a perfect appetizer or evening snack.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Taro Root (Arvi)
- b.Wash the taro root thoroughly. Pressure cook with enough water for 2-3 whistles or boil in a pot for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
- c.Drain the water completely and let the taro root cool down to room temperature. This is a crucial step to prevent the mixture from becoming sticky.
- d.Once cooled, peel the skin and mash the taro root in a large bowl until smooth but with some texture remaining.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Kebab Mixture
- b.In a small pan, dry roast the besan (gram flour) over low heat for 2-3 minutes until it releases a nutty aroma. This removes the raw taste. Let it cool slightly.
- c.To the bowl of mashed taro root, add the roasted besan, finely chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chilies.
- d.Add all the dry spice powders: red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and amchur powder.
- e.Finally, add salt and freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- f.Gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing or kneading the mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Kebabs
- b.Lightly grease your palms with a little oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- c.Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
- d.Take one portion, roll it into a smooth ball, and then gently flatten it between your palms to form a round patty (kebab), about 1/2 inch thick.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Kebabs
- b.Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Carefully place 4-5 kebabs in the pan at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
- e.Gently flip the kebabs and fry the other side for another 3-4 minutes until equally crisp and golden.
- f.Remove the cooked kebabs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- g.Repeat the process with the remaining kebabs, adding more oil if needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Arvi Kebabs hot with a side of mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or your favorite dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled arvi is completely cool and dry before mashing. Any moisture will make the mixture sticky and difficult to shape.
- 2Roasting the besan is a key step for a nutty flavor and to avoid any raw taste in the final kebab.
- 3If your mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of rice flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.
- 4Fry the kebabs on a consistent medium heat. Frying on high heat will brown them too quickly without cooking the inside.
- 5Do not overcrowd the pan while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy kebabs.
- 6For a uniform shape, you can use a cookie cutter to shape the patties.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-oil version, cook the kebabs in an air fryer. Preheat to 180°C (350°F), brush the kebabs with oil, and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
With Added VeggiesWith Added Veggies
Incorporate finely grated carrots or boiled and mashed green peas into the mixture for added nutrition and texture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper powder to the mixture for an extra kick.
Nutty TextureNutty Texture
Add 2 tablespoons of coarsely crushed roasted peanuts or cashews to the kebab mixture for a delightful crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Taro root is an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, supporting weight management.
Good for Gut Health
The resistant starch in taro root acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and promoting a healthy digestive system.
Plant-Based Protein
Besan (gram flour) provides a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Energy-Boosting Complex Carbs
Taro root provides complex carbohydrates that offer sustained energy release, making these kebabs a satisfying and energizing snack.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Arvi Kebab (about 3 pieces) contains approximately 250 calories. This can vary slightly based on the size of the kebabs and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.