- Microwave frozen corn kernels in a covered bowl for 4 minutes (no water needed). If using fresh corn, add 2 tablespoons water.
- Coarsely grind shallots, chilies, garlic, coriander leaves, and root (if using) with 2 tablespoons water.
- Combine cooked corn, ground mixture, flours, pepper powder, and salt. Add water, a little at a time, to achieve a vada-like consistency.
- Heat oil in a kadai on medium flame. Wet your hands and shape the mixture into patties.
- Fry 3-4 fritters at a time for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Calories:80 kcal25%
- Energy:334 kJ22%
- Protein:2 g28%
- Carbohydrates:10 mg40%
- Sugar:2 mg8%
- Salt:50 g25%
- Fat:4 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Sweet Corn Fritters Recipe – Easy Indian Corn Vada 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 Sweet Corn Fritters (or Corn Vada, as some call them!) are a total game-changer. I first made these on a particularly rainy afternoon when I was craving something crispy and comforting, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. They’re so easy to whip up, even on busy weeknights, and the flavor? Absolutely addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t just any fritters. They’re a delightful blend of sweet corn and fragrant spices, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect as an evening tea snack, a starter for a light meal, or even a fun party appetizer. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes – seriously! Who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both delicious and convenient?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden beauties:
- 2 cups frozen sweet corn kernels (about 300g)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 36g)
- 1.5 tablespoons rice flour (about 22g)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder (about 5g)
- Oil for deep frying
- 4 shallots (small onions), coarsely ground
- 2 Bird’s eye chili or green chili, coarsely ground
- 3 garlic cloves, coarsely ground
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves (about 7g)
- 1 coriander root (optional), coarsely ground
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make all the difference.
- Frozen vs. Fresh Corn: I often use frozen corn because it’s convenient and readily available. But fresh corn is fantastic too! If using fresh, just add about 2 tablespoons of water when microwaving.
- Rice Flour is Key: Don’t skip the rice flour! It’s what gives these fritters that lovely, crispy texture. It really elevates them.
- Spice Level: Bird’s eye chilies pack a punch! Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just one, or use milder green chilies.
- Coriander Root: If you can find coriander roots, definitely use them! They add a wonderful depth of flavor, but it’s totally optional.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- First, let’s cook the corn. Microwave the frozen corn kernels in a covered bowl for 4 minutes – no water needed! If you’re using fresh corn, add 2 tablespoons of water and microwave for the same amount of time.
- Now, for the flavor base. Coarsely grind the shallots, chilies, garlic, coriander leaves, and coriander root (if using) with 2 tablespoons of water. You can use a small blender or even a mortar and pestle for this.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked corn, the ground mixture, flours, pepper powder, and salt. Mix everything well. Add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a vada-like consistency – it should hold its shape but still be slightly sticky.
- Heat oil in a kadai (or deep frying pan) on medium flame.
- Wet your hands slightly with water – this prevents the mixture from sticking. Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Fry 3-4 fritters at a time for about 4 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the kadai. Frying in batches ensures the fritters cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters. If it’s not, they’ll absorb too much oil.
- A wet hand is your best friend when shaping the fritters!
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace the water with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
- Spice Level: My friend Priya loves to add a pinch of red chili powder for an extra kick!
- Monsoon/Rainy Day Snack: My grandma always added a sprinkle of chaat masala to these fritters when it rained – it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Serving Suggestions
These fritters are delicious on their own, but even better with a dipping sauce! I love serving them with:
- Mint-Coriander Chutney
- Sweet Tamarind Chutney
- Tomato Ketchup (a classic!)
- Plain Yogurt
Storage Instructions
These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer to restore some of the crispness.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
- Is this recipe suitable for air frying? Yes! You can air fry these at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, but still delicious.
- Can I use canned corn? You can, but make sure to drain it well and pat it dry before using. Frozen or fresh corn will give you the best results.
- What is the purpose of rice flour in this recipe? Rice flour adds a wonderful crispness to the fritters. It’s a key ingredient for that perfect texture!
- How can I make the fritters less spicy? Reduce the amount of chili, or remove the seeds before grinding. You can also use milder green chilies.
- Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter up to a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good mix before frying.
Enjoy these Sweet Corn Fritters! I hope they bring a little bit of sunshine to your day, just like they do for me. Let me know in the comments how they turn out!