Quick and Simple Indian Appetizers for Busy Weekdays

Indian cuisine offers a vibrant palette of flavors and aromas, making it ideal for appetizers. For those with busy weekdays, quick and simple Indian appetizers can provide a delicious and satisfying start to your meals without consuming too much time in the kitchen. Here are some easy-to-make recipes that you can whip up in no time.

1. Vegetable Pakoras

One of the most popular Indian snacks, vegetable pakoras are crispy fritters made with seasonal vegetables and chickpea flour.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (potatoes, onions, bell peppers)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine chickpea flour, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt.
  2. Add water to form a thick batter, then fold in the chopped vegetables.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
  4. Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
  5. Serve hot with green chutney.

2. Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka makes for a creamy and delicious appetizer that's also vegetarian-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • 200g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup bell peppers and onions, cubed
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tikka masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Skewers

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tikka masala, and lemon juice. Add the paneer and vegetables, and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).
  3. Skewer the marinated paneer and vegetables, then grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. Serve with mint chutney.

3. Dahi Puri

Dahi puri is a delightful street food that combines crispy puris with yogurt and tangy chutneys.

Ingredients:

  • Mini puris (store-bought)
  • 1 cup boiled potatoes, mashed
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney
  • 1 tablespoon mint chutney
  • Sev for garnishing
  • Chaat masala
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Gently break open the tops of the puris and fill each with a spoonful of mashed potatoes.
  2. Top with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and mint chutney.
  3. Sprinkle chaat masala and salt on top, then finish with a generous amount of sev.
  4. Serve immediately!

4. Aloo Tikki

Aloo tikki, or potato cutlets, are simple yet flavorful and perfect for snacking.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for shallow frying

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt.
  2. Form the mixture into small patties.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.
  4. Serve with ketchup or chutney.

5. Masala Papad

A quick and crunchy option, masala papad is a great way to enjoy flavors without much effort.

Ingredients:

  • Store-bought papad
  • 1/2 cup finely