Matar Kebab is a delicious and popular vegetarian kebab recipe made using green peas (matar), aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. It is known for its crispy outer layer and soft, flavourful center, making it a favourite Indian snack and starter. This kebab is a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy vegetarian alternative to meat kebabs without compromising on taste.
The main ingredient of matar kebab is green peas, which are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Fresh peas are best when in season, but frozen peas work equally well, making this recipe suitable all year round. The peas are mashed or coarsely ground and combined with finely chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, which add depth and heat to the dish.
To enhance the flavour, a blend of traditional Indian spices is used. Red chili powder adds mild heat, chaat masala gives a tangy street-food flavour, and garam masala provides warmth and aroma. Salt balances all the flavours, while fresh coriander leaves add freshness and a subtle herbal taste. Some variations also include bread crumbs or roasted gram flour to help bind the mixture and improve texture.
Once the mixture is ready, it is shaped into small oval or round kebabs. Matar kebabs can be shallow-fried, pan-fried, air-fried, or baked, depending on your preference. Frying gives the kebabs a crispy golden crust, while air frying or baking makes them a healthier snack option with less oil. No matter the method, the result is a perfectly crisp outside and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth inside.
Matar kebab is commonly served as a starter, party appetizer, or evening snack. It pairs well with green chutney, mint chutney, or tomato ketchup. This dish is a great addition to festive menus, family gatherings, and tea-time snacks. Because it is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients, matar kebab is also ideal for home cooking.
Apart from being tasty, matar kebab is also a nutritious vegetarian dish. Green peas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this kebab filling and satisfying. It is a smart choice for people looking for healthy vegetarian snacks, especially kids and adults who enjoy fried snacks but want a lighter option.
If you love Indian vegetarian starters and are searching for a crispy, flavourful, and protein-rich snack, matar kebab is a must-try recipe that brings together taste, nutrition, and tradition.Check out the recipe below.
Ingredients
For Paste
Green peas – 1½ cups
Green chilies – 2
Ginger – 1-inch piece
Garlic – 4 cloves
Coriander leaves – a handful
Other Ingredients
Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
Green chilies – 1 (finely chopped)
Besan – ¾ to 1 cup
Rice flour – ¼ to ½ cup
Red chilli powder – ¼ to ½ tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Garam masala – ¼ tsp
Chaat masala – ¼ tsp
Black salt – ½ tsp
Salt – to taste
Coriander leaves – few, finely chopped
Oil – for shallow frying
Recipe Video
Method
✍️Boil the green peas in water for 5–7 minutes, until just cooked and not mushy. Drain immediately and rinse under cold running water to stop further cooking. Allow them to cool completely.
✍️Transfer the cooked peas to a mixie jar. Add green chilies, garlic, ginger, and coriander leaves. Grind coarsely without adding any water.
✍️Transfer this mixture to a bowl. Add finely chopped green chilies and onion, besan (gram flour), rice flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, black salt, regular salt as required, and finely chopped coriander leaves. Mix well to form a soft dough.
✍️Shape the mixture into cutlet-shaped patties.
✍️Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry the patties over medium flame until they turn golden brown, crispy, and are cooked through. Remove and drain excess oil.
✍️Serve hot with tomato sauce, mint chutney, or any dip of your choice. Enjoy! 😊
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Total Preparation Time-30 mins
Yield -7-8 kebabs depending on size
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen green peas instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen green peas work perfectly. There’s no need to thaw them completely—just boil until tender, drain well, and cool before grinding.
2. Why should the peas be rinsed with cold water after boiling?
Rinsing under cold water stops further cooking and helps retain the bright green color. It also prevents the peas from turning mushy, which is crucial for good texture.
3. Can I grind the peas finely?
It’s best to grind the peas coarsely. A fine paste will make the kebabs dense and sticky, while a coarse texture gives better bite and crispiness.
4. Can I skip rice flour or besan?
Both flours play different roles:
Besan binds the mixture and adds flavor.
Rice flour adds crispiness. You can adjust quantities, but skipping both is not recommended.
5. Can these kebabs be air-fried or baked?
Yes!
Air fryer: Brush lightly with oil and air-fry at 180°C (356°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
Oven: Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pro Tips & Tricks
✍️Cool the peas completely before grinding. Warm peas release moisture and make the mixture sticky.
✍️Never add water while grinding. The natural moisture in peas is enough.
✍️Finely chop onions and chilies to ensure even mixing and smooth shaping.
✍️Rest the dough for 5–10 minutes before shaping. This allows the flours to absorb moisture and firm up the mixture.
✍️For extra crunch, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
✍️Always fry on medium flame. High heat browns the outside quickly but leaves the inside undercooked.
Common Problems & Solutions
❌ Kebabs breaking while frying
Cause: Mixture too soft or wet
Solution:
Add 1–2 tablespoons more besan or rice flour
Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping
❌ Kebabs turning oily
Cause: Oil temperature too low
Solution:
Make sure oil is moderately hot before frying
Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan
❌ Kebabs not crispy
Cause: Excess moisture or less rice flour
Solution:
Drain peas thoroughly
Increase rice flour slightly
Shallow-fry until deep golden, not pale brown
❌ Kebabs tasting bland
Cause: Under-seasoning
Solution:
Taste the mixture before shaping
Adjust salt, chaat masala, and green chilies as needed
❌ Inside feels raw
Cause: Thick patties or high flame
Solution:
Shape medium-thick patties
Cook slowly on medium flame, flipping gently
Matar kebab is a simple yet flavour-packed vegetarian snack that’s perfect for tea time, parties, or festive occasions. With crispy edges, soft interiors, and aromatic spices, this recipe is sure to become a favourite in your home. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.