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A quintessential Kashmiri street food, Haak Monje are crispy fritters made from local collard greens (haak) dipped in a spiced chickpea flour batter. These savory delights are deep-fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Traditionally enjoyed during cold or rainy weather, they are best served hot with a tangy radish chutney (Muji Chetin).
For 4 servings
Prepare the Dry Mix
Create the Batter
Incorporate the Haak
Heat the Oil
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A quintessential Kashmiri street food, Haak Monje are crispy fritters made from local collard greens (haak) dipped in a spiced chickpea flour batter. These savory delights are deep-fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Traditionally enjoyed during cold or rainy weather, they are best served hot with a tangy radish chutney (Muji Chetin).
This kashmiri recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 265.76 calories per serving with 7.86g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Fry the Fritters
Drain and Serve
Replace haak with finely chopped spinach (palak) or kale. Squeeze out all excess moisture from the greens before adding them to the batter.
Add 1 finely chopped green chili and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion to the batter for extra flavor and a different texture.
For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala or a pinch of black pepper to the batter mix.
Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Both haak (collard greens) and besan contribute to the high fiber content, aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Haak is a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron, which support bone health, vision, and immune function.
Made with besan and rice flour, this snack is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Haak Monje is a deep-fried snack, so it is high in calories and fat and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, its main ingredients, haak (collard greens) and besan (chickpea flour), are nutritious, providing fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
A single serving of Haak Monje (approximately 4 fritters) contains around 230-260 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
If Kashmiri collard greens (haak) are unavailable, you can substitute them with regular collard greens, spinach, kale, or even fenugreek leaves (methi). Ensure the greens are washed, chopped, and dried thoroughly before use.
The key to crispy monje is the batter consistency and oil temperature. The addition of rice flour is crucial. Ensure the batter is thick, not runny, and fry in medium-hot oil. Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping, which also ensures crispiness.
Haak Monje is best eaten fresh. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) or in an air fryer for 4-5 minutes until they are warm and crisp again. Avoid using a microwave as it will make them soggy.