Our BEST Quick & Easy Indian Appetizers

These Indian appetizers will transport you to another land while you still enjoy the flavors from the comfort of your home.

All of these Indian snacks recipes are packed with flavor so they’ll coat your taste buds with deliciousness.

Indian flavors with their delicious spices and seasonings are more popular than ever. If you’re serving an Indian food dinner, it’s nice to have some yummy appetizers for your guests. However, some of these appetizers are filling enough to serve as a light main dish themselves if you also have a salad.

You’ll find Indian veg appetizers, quick Indian snacks, and easy Indian appetizers that hardly take any time to make.

Indian cuisine offers a vast array of appetizers that entice the taste buds and warm up the palate for a fulfilling meal ahead. Known for their rich flavors, unique spices, and diverse ingredients, these starters not only satisfy one’s cravings but also provide a glimpse into the country’s regional culinary traditions.

From deep-fried delights to artful chaats, Indian appetizers cater to a variety of preferences. Some of the popular choices include samosas, pakoras, and vada pav, which are ideal for those who love crunchy and savory treats. For health-conscious diners, light and refreshing options such as bhel puri and dahi vada provide a flavorful yet nutritious experience.

The key to creating these mouthwatering appetizers lies in the use of high-quality ingredients and a skilled balance of spices. With a blend of taste, texture, and aroma, Indian starters are an essential component of any authentic Indian meal and a great way to discover the culinary treasures of this vibrant country.

Indian appetizers are a delicious way to start off any meal. They are typically a mix of savory and spicy flavors that tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Popular starters include samosas, pakoras, and bhajias.

Samosas are deepfried pastries filled with potatoes, onions, and spices. Pakoras are a type of fritter made with vegetables, such as onions and spinach, and are often served with a chutney or dipping sauce.

Bhajias are another type of fritter, usually made with gram flour and chopped vegetables. They are often served with a spicy chutney. Other popular starters include kebabs, kachori, and tikki. Kebabs are grilled or roasted pieces of spiced meat, while kachori are deepfried dough balls filled with potato, lentils, or other fillings. Tikki are patties made with mashed potatoes, spices, and vegetables. All of these Indian appetizers are sure to tantalize your taste buds and get your meal off to a delicious start.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to serve as your first course try an Indian appetiser.

There are plenty of Indian snack recipes to keep you busy for the next few weeks so get ready and get started.

Source: carveyourcraving.com

1. Achari Aloo Tikka

Put some toothpicks in these babies and you’ve got yourself an amazing appetizer that’s perfect for any party.

Achari aloo tikka is made with potatoes that are marinated in a variety of spices and then grilled to perfection.

It’s simple, easy, and insanely delicious. You’ll love the flavor of the spices and how crispy they get when they’re cooked right.

These are the type of app that you can make a ton of at the same time but it won’t take you any longer than you’re already spending on making an app.

Source: whiskaffair.com

2. Corn Pakora

Corn pakora is very popular on the streets of India and you’ll see tons of vendors who offer this incredible dish.

This is the perfect Indian appetizer to start with if you aren’t very familiar with the food because almost everyone will enjoy it.

A lot of Indian food is going to have a long ingredient list but don’t be intimidated because most of it is going to be seasoning.

Source: mellownspicy.com

3. Indian Tomato Soup

Forget what you know about regular tomato soup because this Indian version is about to change your life.

It’s made with a variety of spices that give it a unique flavor and then it’s topped with fresh cilantro.

It’s the perfect appetizer for those cold winter nights when you need something to warm you up.

Soup is always a great option when you’re looking for something easy to make and this one is definitely a winner.

Source: tarladalal.com

4. Cabbage Pakora

Just like corn pakora, this cabbage pakora is a common dish that you’ll find throughout India.

It’s made with shredded cabbage that is mixed with spices and then formed into small pakoras.

These are great for parties or if you want to bring something to a potluck, and they’re also really easy to make.

The best part is that they’re really cheap to make so you won’t have to break the bank.

Source: mygingergarlickitchen.com

5. Khaman Dhokla

Once you get your hands on these unique cakes you’ll never want to try a boring cake recipe again.

Khaman dhokla is a dish that’s made with chickpea flour and then steamed to perfection.

It has a really light and fluffy texture and it’s perfect for snacking on. It’s also vegan-friendly so everyone can enjoy it.

If you’re looking for an easy and unique Indian appetizer then you need to try this recipe.

Source: sneakyveg.com

6. Vegetable Samosa

Samosas are Indian vegetarian appetizers that are extremely popular throughout the country so it’s no surprise that they made it onto this list.

These are triangular-shaped pastries that are filled with a variety of different ingredients like potato, lemon juice, Indian spice, red onion, bell pepper, coriander, green chili, and other veggies.

The most common filling is potatoes but you can find them with almost any vegetable.

Samosas are a little more complicated to make than some of the other Indian appetizer recipes on this list, but they are worth it in the end.

Source: tastemade.co.uk

7. Papdi Chaat

Papdi chaat is a dish that’s made with papdi, which are essentially deep-fried flatbreads, and then topped with a delicious assortment of ingredients.

You can choose your own toppings or go with the classic version that has chickpeas, yogurt, and tamarind chutney.

It’s a great dish to make for a party because everyone can customize it to their own liking. It’s also incredibly tasty and you’ll be surprised at how many people will ask for seconds.

Don’t forget the chaat masala, it’s what gives this dish its unique flavor. This dish looks amazing too with all the color so they’ll impress your guests when you set it on the table.

Source: ikneadtoeat.com

8. Vegetable Pakora

Here’s another pakora dish but this time it’s deep-fried to perfection and has incredible flavor any taste bud will love. You can even use an air fryer to make it easier.

If you’re looking for quick Indian snacks this is one of the best recipes because it only takes about 15 minutes to make.

The vegetable pakora is perfect for parties or if you want to bring something to a potluck, and they’re also really easy to make.

Just like the cabbage pakora, they’re really cheap to make so you can have a bunch of guests come over and not have to worry about spending a ton of money.

Source: cooktoria.com

9. Onion Fritters

Indians make the fritters and these onions are an unlikely star when you serve them at the party.

The fritters are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice or eat them as they are.

Be sure to make enough because as soon as they hit the table you’ll have hands grabbing at them constantly.

They’re also incredibly simple to put together so you don’t have to worry about spending your entire night in the kitchen.

Source: easycookingwithmolly.com

10. Vegetable Kabab

Many Indians are vegetarians so you’ll see a ton of vegetarian kababs throughout the country.

These kababs are made with a variety of different vegetables and then grilled to perfection.

The best part is that they’re really easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients but you can mix them up by using cauliflower, eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, and more.

You can serve them as an appetizer or a main course, and they’re perfect for any occasion.

Source: cookclickndevour.com

11. Paneer Pakora

One bite into these paneer pakoras and your mouth will be in heaven.

They’re made with paneer, a type of cheese that’s popular in India, that’s then dipped in a chickpea batter and deep-fried.

You can serve them as an appetizer or a main course and they’ll be a huge hit with everyone.

They’re also really easy to make so you won’t have any trouble whipping them up on a busy night.

Source: elavegan.com

12. Lentil Fritters

These lentil fritters are one of the best Indian starters because they’re simple to make and taste incredible.

They’re made with lentils, rice, onions, and spices and then formed into small patties.

The best part is that they can be stored in the fridge for a few days so you can make a bunch and then have these delicious treats to snack on.

You can either fry them or bake them, and they’ll fit with a ton of different dishes you end up making.

Source: vegrecipesofindia.com

13. Idli Fry

It’s crazy just how easy this dish is to make but how much incredible flavor is packed into it.

Idli fry is made with steamed idlis that is then pan-fried and then coated in a delicious sauce.

Just like most of the other recipes on this list, it’s really cheap to make so you don’t have to worry about emptying your wallet when it’s time to buy groceries.

Mixing up the dipping sauce is half the fun so experiment with what your taste buds love.

Source: theslimmingfoodie.com

14. Mango Chutney

Chutney is a popular sauce to make in India and this mango version is one of the best.

It’s made with ripe mangos, onions, ginger, and chili peppers and has a sweet and spicy taste that everyone will love.

You can serve it as a dipping sauce for kababs or samosas, or you can use it as a condiment for other Indian dishes.

Whatever you do make sure you have a good amount leftover to add to some dishes you have throughout the rest of the week.

Source: awesomecuisine.com

15. Gobi 65

Indian cuisine loves frying their appetizers because it’s so dang easy and this gobi 65 recipe is no exception.

It’s made with cauliflower that’s been deep-fried and then coated in a delicious sauce.

You can serve it as is or over some rice to get a full meal out of it but don’t be surprised if you’re willing to gobble up the entire batch just by yourself.

If you’re looking for a really easy south India appetizer to make then this is the recipe for you.

Source: myheatbeets.com

16. Cilantro Mint Chutney

Here’s a lighter chutney that you absolutely must try.

It’s made with cilantro, mint, yogurt, and a few other simple ingredients and it’s the perfect way to start off your Indian meal.

Just like the mango chutney, you can use it as a dipping sauce or a condiment. It’s also healthy and low in calories so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating it.

It’s a great one to make in the summer when the mint and cilantro will really stand out and cool you down.

Our BEST Indian Appetizers (+Indian Tomato Soup Recipe)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 6 votes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5-6 to matoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup room temperature milk
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. salted butter
  • 1 Tbsp. heavy cream
  • Cilantro
  • salt black pepper, and sugar to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook all ingredients in a pressure cooker.
  • Transfer to a blender.
  • Re-heat until it starts to simmer.
  • Mix in cornstarch and water.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal
Keyword indian appetizers
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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
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