Indian cuisine is one of the most delicious and unique dishes that you will find in the world. Although the world is already familiar with Indian curries, their appetizers are also worth trying too. There are plenty of Indian appetizers that are worth making yourself. Regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or not, you will find these recipes easy to make.  

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Indian Appetizers and Recipes!

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Easy Indian Appetizers You Can Try

Searching for Indian starter recipes can be pretty overwhelming. After all, there are tons of options to consider. That said, here are a few popular appetizers that you can try. 

• Tandoori Aloo Tikka

This recipe is basically Tandoori spiced roasted potatoes. You will need 

• baby potatoes 
• red and yellow bell peppers
• onions and lime wedges for garnish. 

Aside from that, you will also need to prepare for the marinade. Among the basic ingredients that you will need are:

• Yogurt
•  Indian spices,
• Ginger
• Garlic
• gram flour. 

You will need to steam the baby potatoes first. Afterward, get a bowl and combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Make sure that there are no lumps. Add your baby potatoes and vegetables into the mix making sure that they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes. Put the potatoes and vegetables on skewers. Grease the insides of your air fryer lightly then place sticks inside. Cook at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.

• Cabbage Pakora 

Recipe calls for the following: 

• 2 cups of thinly shredded cabbage
• 5 tbsps of besan
• ¼ cup of finely chopped coriander
•  ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 ½ tsp chili powder
• oil, and salt. 

You only need to combine all the ingredients in a bowl for mixing. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture. Drain once it has become golden brown and place on absorbent paper. In addition, serve it with green chutney and tomato ketchup. 

• Chicken Pakora

Another great appetizer to make is the chicken pakora. You will need:

• 1/2lb of chicken strips or cubes
• 1 medium-sized onion, crushed or sliced
• 1 to 2 green chilies
• ¾ tbsp each of ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, and garam masala
• ¼ tsp of turmeric
• ⅓ tsp salt
• 2 sprigs of curry leaves
• 3 tbsp of rice flour
• 1 egg white
• Oil
• 2 tablespoons of water or more. 

To make this appetizer, you need to put besan, salt, and spices in a bowl. Mix well. And adjust the salt according to taste. Add the chilies, ginger garlic, curry leaves, and onions. Cut the chicken into ¾ inches. Afterward, add them to the bowl with egg white.

You should add little water only as needed. The mixture should be thick. Heat oil for deep frying. Place the chicken cubes in oil. Then cook until golden brown. Remove from oil and serve. 

• Aloo Chaat

Another great snack to make is Aloo Chaat. Its main ingredients are:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp ajwain
• 1 tbsp semolina
• 2 tbsp of oil or ghee
• Oil and salt to taste
• 3-4 potatoes boiled or peeled
• 6 to 7 green chilies
• 1 tomato. 
• Handful of spinach
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• tamarind chutney
• Sev
• Coriander leaves. 

Combine ajwain with flour, salt, oil, and water to create the dough. Divide into 10 to 12 pieces. Roll them into 7 to 8 cm circles. Then use a fork to prick them. Fry the dough over medium heat until it becomes golden. Mash the boiled potatoes. And place them on top of the fried poori. Then put the potatoes, chilies, spinach, and tomatoes in a pressure cooker. Cook until 1 whistle. Place the potato mixture on top of the poori. And drizzle with tamarind chutney. 

• Samosa

This Indian food can be served as an appetizer. Or as an evening snack. In fact, you will need the following for your samosa recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ajwain
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 tbsp
• 1 tsp of oil
• Water
• 3 to 4 medium potatoes
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp each of coriander powder, cumin, fennel seeds, and finely chopped ginger. 
• 1 green chili
• ¼ tsp each of hing and red chili powder
• ½ tsp each of garam masala and amchur or dry mango powder
• ¾ tsp salt to taste

Get a large bowl. And mix flour, ajwain, and salt. Then mix well. Add the oil and mix with your fingers to ensure that you incorporate all the ingredients. Aside from that, you should add water little by little until your dough becomes stiff. Cover it and let it rest for 40 minutes. Boil the potatoes, remove the skin, and mash afterward. 

Heat 2 tbsps of oil then add the seeds. Once they sizzle, add hing (giant fennel plants), chili, and ginger. Now add the peas and potatoes after a minute. Combine everything well. Add the rest of the ingredients. Create a cone with the dough by pinching one end.

Add the filling then pinch the edge once more. Do the same with the rest. Drop the samosa into the oil on low heat. Do it for 10 to 12 minutes. Increase the heat to make them golden brown. Repeat for the rest of the samosas. This vegetable samosa is a great finger food to add to your repertoire. 

• Dahi Papdi Chaat

This popular Indian street food is easy to make. You will need:

• 14 Puri flat crisp papdi
• 1 medium potato, boiled, peeled, mashed, and seasoned with salt and pepper
• 4 tbsps of black chickpeas 
• ½ tsp of Chaat Masala
• ½ cup of Yogurt
• 3 tbsps each Red Garlic Chutney and Mint Cilantro Chutney
• ¼ cup tamarind chutney
• 2 tbsp each of chopped cilantro leaves and pomegranate seeds

Place 7 puris on a plate. And crumble some into the oven. Aside from that, crumble some of the boiled potatoes on the puri and black chickpeas. Add ¼ cup of Dahi to the puris. Spread a tablespoon each of red garlic and mint cilantro chutneys. Do the same with the tamarind chutney. Sprinkle a quarter of Chaat Masala on top then add serve. Garnish it with pomegranate seeds and cilantro leaves. 

• Dahi Vada

This popular street food is perfect for your next party. You will need: 

• ¾ cup Urad Dal or split-skinned black gram lentils
• 3 tbsps Split yellow lentils
• 1 green chili pepper
• 1-inch ginger
• ½ tsp of salt 
• Oil 
• 2 cups yogurt chilled
• ¼ tsp each of salt and Kashmiri red chili powder 
• ½ tsp of sugar
• ¼ cup of tamarind chutney
• 2 tbsp mint cilantro chutney
• ½ tsp of roasted ground cumin
• Cilantro leaves, chopped

Wash lentils a few times until the water becomes clear. Soak lentils in a bowl overnight or for at least four hours. Drain the water and add green chili pepper, ginger, lentils, and salt into a blender. Grind on low to medium speed to create a smooth batter. Transfer to a bowl and whip until fluffy. Aside from that, you should heat the oil until hot. Dip your ice cream scooper or spoon in water before getting from the batter. Drop them in the oil and cook until golden brown. Soak them in lukewarm water and drain. 

Aside from that, whisk yogurt and add salt and pepper to taste. Place the softened vada on a plate and cover with yogurt. Drop some tamarind and mint cilantro chutneys on top. In addition, sprinkle some red chili and roasted cumin powder on top. 

• Chicken Seekh Kebab

Chicken Seekh Kebab is a popular dish in India. In fact, you can visit any Indian restaurant and they will have this. You will need the following: 

• 250 grams of chicken mince
• Medium-sized red onions chopped
• 1 green chili chopped
• 3 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
• 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
• 2 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 to 3 tbsp bread crumbs
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Blend onion into a rough puree before adding chili, ginger garlic, coriander leaves, and chicken mince. Put them in a large bowl and mix well. Let it sit for half an hour. Wet your hands and get a small amount of the mixture. Afterward, shape it into a log. Place the skewer in the middle and cover it with the mixture. In addition, melt some butter in a pan and cook the chicken mince. Serve while it is hot. 

• Crispy Onion Pakoda or Spiced Onion Fritters

This delicious snack is an easy recipe that you can follow. Here’s what you need: 

• 2 cups besan or gram flour
• 1 cup sliced 
• ½ tsp carom seeds
• ¼ tsp Hing
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ⅛ cup rice flour
• ½ cup water for the batter
• 1 tsp oil 
• Chopped coriander leaves
• Chopped green chilies
• Salt 

First, preheat the air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes. Get a bowl and mix all the ingredients except for the water. Add the water little by little until you create a sticky batter. Aside from that, add a teaspoon of oil into the batter to make your pakoras crispy. Place the pakoras in the air fryer and brush them with oil. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip them and brush them with oil before popping them back in the air fryer for 7 minutes. This delicious snack is quick to make. 

• Paneer Tikka

This delicious appetizer requires the following ingredients: 

• 150 grams of Greek Yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsps mustard oil 
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp each of Chaat Masala, Kasuri methi, and Kashmiri red chili powder
• ¾ tsp of Garam Masala
• ¼ tsp of red chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 lemon for juice
• 2 tbsp each of chopped cilantro and mint
• 300 grams paneer
• 1 large onion cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large bell pepper cut into 1-inch cubes

Whisk the yogurt in a large bowl until smooth. Add ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, coriander powder, chaat masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and Kasuri methi. Whisk to combine everything then squeeze 1 lemon over it. Add cilantro and mint. Stir in paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onions. Chill overnight. Add them to skewers and pop them in the oven for 10 minutes at 450 degrees F. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes. 

• Paneer Pakora

Another example of a popular appetizer is the Paneer Pakora. You will need these simple ingredients: 

• 400 grams paneer

For the garlic chutney, you will need: 

• ½ cup garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ¼ cup water
• 8 to 10 dry red chilies
• 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Meanwhile, the pakora batter will require: 

• 1 cup gram flour
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon hing
• 2 tbsps rice flour
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ¼ tsp Enos fruit salt
• Water as needed

Get a bowl and mix the ingredients for the pakora batter. Add enough water to make a thick batter that will coat the back of your spoon. Heat oil to deep fry the pakoras. Cut the paneer cutlet in half then spread the garlic chutney on both paneer slices then make your sandwich. Cut them into 2 inches then dip them into the batter. Slide into the oil and fry until golden brown. Sprinkle some chaat masala on top and serve with garlic chutney. 

• Khaman Dhokla

This savory chickpea flour cake is a quick appetizer that you’ll enjoy making. You will need: 

• 1 ¼ cup gram flour chickpea flour
• 2 tbsp semolina
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp lime juice
• 1tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp oil 
• 1 green chili pepper minced
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups of water for steaming
• 1 tsp Eno fruit salt 

Aside from that, you’ll also need the following ingredients for tempering: 

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds 
• 5 green chili peppers thinly sliced
• 5 curry leaves
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar

Mix all ingredients except for the Eno fruit salt in a bowl. Stir to combine well and let it sit for 15 minutes. Boil 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker on saute mode. Grease your pan with oil. After 15 minutes add Eno to the batter and stir in one direction. Aside from that, transfer it quickly into the pan. Place it into your instant pot and set it to steam for 15 minutes in venting mode. You will need to time it yourself. Let it sit for 5 minutes before removing it from the pot. 

For tempering, you will need to heat oil in a pan on high heat. Add mustard seeds and cook until they sizzle. Aside from that, add the curry leaves and the green chilies. Saute for 30 seconds then add sesame seeds. Turn off the heat then add water, sugar, and salt. Stir them well. Cut the khaman into small pieces and spread the tempering over them. 

• Vegetable Pakora

Pakoras are common in Indian households as they are quick to make. Think of them as an Indian version of french fries. There are different ways to cook them like bread pakoras. There is also the vegetable pakora which you can make with these ingredients: 

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 tbsp water
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp each of chaat masala and coriander powder
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 medium-sized potato grated or sliced thinly
• 1 medium-sized onion thinly sliced
• 2 to 3 tbsp chopped coriander
• 1 to 2 green chili
• Oil 

For the garlic yogurt dipping sauce, you will need: 

• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 green chili
• Salt to taste

Get a bowl and mix the flour and spices well. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water until the batter thickens. Aside from that, add the vegetables into the mix. You can add a tablespoon of water until the batter is clinging to the surface of the batter. Prepare your pan for frying pakoras. Heat oil over medium to high heat. Use two spoons or hands to drop the batter into the oil. Cook in batches until they are golden brown. Serve while still hot. 

• Indian Tomato Soup 

Another popular Indian appetizer or evening snack is the Indian Tomato Soup. This healthy snack requires the following: 

• 4 to 5 medium tomatoes
• 1 small red onion
• 1 tsp each of salt and sugar to taste
• 3 to 4 medium cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp each of cornstarch and freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp oil 
• 1 tbsp fresh cream
• A few sprigs of cilantro leaves or coriander

Put the tomatoes, garlic, and a small amount of water in your pressure cooker. Pressure cook for two whistles. Transfer the contents to a blender and blend until smooth. Heat a pan and add a tablespoon of oil and butter. Aside from that, add the chopped onions and fry them until translucent. Afterward, add the pureed tomato and mix. Add some water to thin out its consistency. Add salt and sugar. Reduce heat then add milk. Continue cooking until it simmers. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water then add to the soup. Serve immediately. 

• Air Fryer Cauliflower with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Quick Indian snacks like this air fryer cauliflower are worth trying. After all, your taste buds will enjoy its flavor. 

• 1 cauliflower
• 2 tbsp oil 
• ½ tsp each garlic powder and ground cumin
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

In addition, you will need these ingredients for the sauce. 

• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup yogurt
• 1 green chili pepper
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp lime juice 

Get a large bowl and combine all the ingredients for the cauliflower. Toss until mixed well. Transfer to the air fryer basket and fry for 15 minutes at 380 degrees. Put all the ingredients for the sauce in a blender. You will need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to blend. Remove cauliflower from the air fryer and drizzle with the sauce. 

Other Indian Snack Recipes to Consider

The best thing about Indian dishes is that they are all flavorful dishes. In fact, if you look up more Indian snacks recipes, you’ll come across the following: 

• Sweet corn vada
• Paneer Tikki 
• Dal vada
• Hara Bhara Kabab
• Masala Vada
• Batata Vada
• Chicken Tikka
• Aloo Tikki 
• Vada Pav

No main course will be complete without any side dishes. Even a tea-time snack will suffice. Regardless of whether you are making cheese balls or sweet potatoes, Indian cooking calls for spices like curry powder and others. 

Wrap Up 15 Easy Indian Appetizers

The unique flavor of Indian food dishes is one of the reasons why they are popular. Aside from that, you can expect them to have a healthy snack recipe to try. The best part is that they use olive oil to make a healthier version of their meal. There is no doubt that India is the right place to choose some new snacks to serve.