How to Make Classic Indian Appetizers for Your Next Party

Planning a party and looking to impress your guests with authentic Indian flavors? Classic Indian appetizers are a perfect choice. They are bursting with vibrant spices and flavors that will set the tone for your gathering. In this guide, we’ll explore some beloved Indian appetizers that not only taste great but are also easy to prepare.

1. Samosas

Samosas are a quintessential Indian snack that your guests will love. These crispy pastries are filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes and peas, and they’re perfect for dipping in chutney.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed), 1 cup peas, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, salt, and oil for frying.

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and water to form a dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add mashed potatoes, peas, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
Roll out the dough into thin circles, cut them in half, and shape them into cones. Fill the cones with the potato mixture and seal the edges.
Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with mint or tamarind chutney.

2. Pakoras

Pakoras, or bhajis, are another delightful Indian appetizer. These battered vegetable fritters are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients: 1 cup gram flour (besan), assorted vegetables (like onions, potatoes, and spinach), spices (like turmeric, red chili powder, and cumin), and oil for frying.

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour with spices and enough water to make a smooth batter.
Add your choice of chopped vegetables to the batter and mix until well coated.
Heat oil in a frying pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.

3. Paneer Tikka

For a vegetarian option that is both delicious and filling, paneer tikka is the way to go. Marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, these skewers are a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients: 250g paneer (cottage cheese), bell peppers, onions, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and tikka masala.

Instructions:

Cut paneer and vegetables into cubes. In a bowl, mix yogurt with ginger-garlic paste, tikka masala, and salt.
Marinate the paneer and vegetables in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated items onto skewers and grill them on a barbecue or in an oven until slightly charred.
Serve with lemon wedges and mint chutney.

4. Dhokla

Dhokla is a fluffy, steamed cake made from fermented gram flour. Its mild flavor and soft texture make it a delightful starter.

Ingredients: 1 cup gram flour (besan), 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp ENO fruit salt, turmeric, green chili, and mustard seeds for tempering.

Instructions:

Mix gram flour, yogurt, turmeric, and sufficient water to make a smooth batter. Let it ferment for a few hours.
Once fermented, add ENO fruit salt to the batter and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a greased steaming tray and steam for 15-20 minutes.
For tempering, heat oil, add mustard seeds, and let them crackle. Pour this over the steamed dhokla.
Cut into pieces and serve hot with green chutney.

5. Chaat

Chaat is a popular street food in India, known for its