- Combine grated carrots, drained sweet corn, egg, besan (gram flour), red chili powder, turmeric powder, chopped coriander, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix into a thick batter (no water needed).
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chai, ketchup, or chutney.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:6 g28%
- Carbohydrates:25 mg40%
- Sugar:4 mg8%
- Salt:250 g25%
- Fat:10 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Carrot Corn Fritters Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food Snack
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And let me tell you, these Carrot Corn Fritters are it! They’re crispy, flavorful, and seriously addictive. I first made these on a rainy afternoon when I was craving something warm and comforting, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. They’re the perfect little bite of Indian street food, made right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fritters are a winner for so many reasons. They come together in under 15 minutes – seriously! They’re packed with veggies, making them a slightly healthier treat. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Enjoy them with a cup of chai, a dollop of ketchup, or your favorite spicy sauce. They’re just…good.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden goodies:
- 3 medium carrots
- 370 gm sweet corn (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup besan flour (chickpea flour)
- 0.5 tsp red chilli powder
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using freshly grated carrots really makes a difference in the flavour, but pre-grated is fine in a pinch. Frozen sweet corn works wonderfully too – just make sure it’s thawed and drained well.
Now, about that besan flour (also known as chickpea flour or gram flour). It’s the star of the show! It gives these fritters their lovely texture and that authentic Indian flavour. You can usually find it in Indian grocery stores or online.
Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the red chilli powder to your liking. Some people like a little kick, while others prefer it mild. In my family, my dad always adds a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat! Regional variations often include a touch of cumin or coriander powder too – experiment and see what you like.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- First, in a nice big bowl, combine the grated carrots, drained sweet corn, egg, besan flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chopped coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Now, give everything a good mix. You want a thick batter – it shouldn’t need any water added. If it seems a little dry, just add a tiny splash of water, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Heat up some oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a tiny drop of batter sizzles immediately.
- Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Once they’re cooked, take them out of the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
And that’s it! Seriously, so easy, right?
Expert Tips
- Don’t be afraid to taste the batter before frying and adjust the seasoning.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter. This is key to getting crispy fritters.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – frying in batches will ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavour, you can add a finely chopped green chilli to the batter.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: Simply replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Besan flour is naturally gluten-free, so you’re already good to go! Just double-check the label to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.
- Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of garam masala for a warmer flavour.
- Tea-Time Snack Variation: My grandmother used to add a little bit of grated ginger to the batter when making these for evening tea. It’s so comforting!
Serving Suggestions
These fritters are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with a little something on the side. Here are a few of my favourites:
- A steaming cup of chai (of course!)
- Ketchup
- Mint chutney
- Tamarind chutney
- Your favourite hot sauce
Storage Instructions
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
- What is Besan Flour and can I substitute it? Besan flour is a flour made from ground chickpeas. It’s a staple in Indian cooking! If you absolutely can’t find it, you could try using all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavour won’t be quite the same.
- How do I get the fritters crispy? Hot oil and not overcrowding the pan are the keys! Also, make sure to drain them well on paper towels.
- Can I make these fritters ahead of time? You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before frying.
- What is a good dipping sauce for these fritters? Mint chutney is a classic choice, but ketchup or your favourite hot sauce work great too!
- Are carrots and corn seasonal in India, and does that affect the taste? Yes, both carrots and corn have peak seasons in India. Using them when they’re in season will definitely give you the best flavour! But honestly, these fritters are delicious year-round.