Appetizer
Hara Bhara Kabab

About this dish
These vibrant green kababs are a beloved North Indian snack, originating from the streets of Delhi. With a personal twist from my mother’s kitchen, I blend spinach, potatoes, and green peas with gentle spices, then pan-fry them to a golden-brown crisp.
Each bite is a festive burst of green—perfect for tea time or as a starter at gatherings.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Spinach leaves
vegetable200 g
Imperial measurement: 7 oz
Green peas
vegetable1/2 cup (75 g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup (2.6 oz)
Potatoes, boiled and mashed
vegetable2 (about 300 g)
Imperial measurement: 2 (about 10 oz)
Ginger, piece
herb1 inch (15 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 inch (1 tsp minced)
Green chili peppers
vegetable2
Corn starch
other2 tablespoons (16 g)
Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons (0.56 oz)
Cumin seeds
spice1 teaspoon (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Garam masala
spice1 teaspoon (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Amchur (dry mango powder)
seasoning1 teaspoon (3 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Salt
seasoning1 teaspoon (6 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Cooking oil
fat1 tablespoon (15 ml) for batter + 2 tbsp (30 ml) for frying
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons
Method
Blanch spinach and peas
10 minsBring a pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh spinach leaves and green peas. Blanch for 2 minutes until spinach wilts. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to retain the vibrant green color. Drain well. Squeeze out excess water using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
Grind spinach-pea blend
2 minsIn a food processor, combine the blanched spinach, drained peas, peeled ginger, and green chilies. Pulse until a coarse paste is formed. Do not over-grind; the mixture should have some texture, not a puree. Scrape into a mixing bowl.
Mix with potatoes
3 minsAdd the boiled and mashed potatoes to the spinach-pea mixture. Add cumin seeds, garam masala, amchur (if using), and salt. Mix thoroughly using your hands until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust salt and spices if needed.
Add binding agent
1 minsSprinkle corn starch (or arrowroot powder) over the mixture. Work it in well until the mixture feels cohesive and not sticky. If it feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of corn starch. The dough should be stiff enough to shape without sticking to your hands.
Shape kababs
5 minsDivide the mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat patty / cylinder-type . helps to lightly oil your palms to avoid sticking. D will yield typical cylindrical/disc M?o into desired shape such as cylinder - I earlier s):light pressure
Pan-fry kababs
8 minsHeat a non-stick pan skill?ha kadhai thick ka do is very wide grin] Use medium ash3f that fire; cover p) Wait five cooking me Patpat / until base per warmg tint best do nah Golden Brown .3 per side duit Now serv for golden *crust turn over toast one with smooth ending wammy)◕ ˬ Take Oil > L N', *Wait every
Equipment
- Large pot for blanching
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
Nutrition facts
Tips
- Squeeze the blanched spinach and peas very well: excess moisture makes the kababs fall apart during frying.
- For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the green chilies, for extra kick, chop them fine and add without deseeding.
- You can also bake these kababs at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, for an oil-free version.
- Under no circumstances should the finished image contain any text, words, letters, numbers, labels, captions, logos, watermarks, packaging with writing, or menu cards.
Serving suggestions
- Enjoy the kababs hot, accompanied by mint-coriander chutney and sliced onions tossed in chaat masala. A squeeze of lemon and a side of sweet mango pickle take it right back to the joyful chaos of a Lahori chai dhaba.
Rate this recipe
No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

Recipe by
Meera Kapoor
Specialises in Indian cuisineMeera Patel makes gulab jamun so soft they dissolve on your tongue. She uses cardamom like a poet.
Describe yourself in three words: Sweet, soft, rose-scented.