Vegetable Lollipop
Crispy, golden-fried vegetable balls served on a stick, a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer. A perfect party starter packed with mixed veggies and savory spices, ready to be dipped in your favorite sauce.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vegetable Mixture (8-10 minutes)
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated carrot, chopped cabbage, french beans, and capsicum.
- c.It is crucial to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated and chopped vegetables to ensure the mixture is firm.
- d.To the bowl, add the ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, 3 tbsp of the cornflour, bread crumbs, soy sauce, black pepper powder, and salt.
- e.Mix thoroughly with your hands until everything is well combined and forms a firm, non-sticky dough. If the mixture feels too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape the Lollipops (5-7 minutes)
- b.Lightly grease your palms with a drop of oil to prevent sticking.
- c.Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a smooth, crack-free ball.
- d.Carefully insert an ice cream stick about halfway into each vegetable ball, pressing the mixture firmly around the stick to secure it. Arrange the prepared lollipops on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Coating Batter (2 minutes)
- b.In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp of cornflour, 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
- c.Gradually pour in about 1/2 cup of cold water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, thin, and lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to a thin crepe batter, just thick enough to coat the lollipops lightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Deep Fry the Lollipops (8-10 minutes)
- b.Heat the oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately (around 180°C / 350°F).
- c.Holding a lollipop by its stick, dip it into the batter, ensuring an even, light coating. Let any excess batter drip back into the bowl.
- d.Gently slide the coated lollipop into the hot oil. Fry in small batches of 3-4 at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
- e.Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and uniformly crispy.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried lollipops and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Hot (1 minute)
- b.Arrange the hot Vegetable Lollipops on a serving platter.
- c.Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like Schezwan sauce, sweet chili sauce, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing out excess water from the vegetables is the most critical step to prevent the lollipops from breaking apart while frying.
- 2Ensure the oil is at the correct medium-high temperature. If it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it's not hot enough, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- 3Do not make the coating batter too thick. A thin, light coating results in a crispier texture.
- 4You can prepare the vegetable balls ahead of time and refrigerate them. Coat and fry just before serving for the best taste and texture.
- 5For even cooking, ensure the balls are of a uniform size.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a non-fried option, brush the lollipops with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through. You can also use an air fryer.
Protein RichProtein-Rich
Add 1/2 cup of grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or crumbled firm tofu to the vegetable mixture for a protein boost.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped mushrooms or sweet corn kernels into the mix for a different texture and flavor profile.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder or 1 tablespoon of Schezwan sauce directly into the vegetable mixture for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
This dish is a creative and delicious way to include a variety of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and capsicum in your diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Good Source of Fiber
The combination of mixed vegetables and potatoes offers a good amount of dietary fiber, which is important for promoting healthy digestion and providing a feeling of fullness.
Energy Booster
The carbohydrates from potatoes and breadcrumbs provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying and energizing snack, especially for kids.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of 3 Vegetable Lollipops, contains approximately 350-400 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.