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    Home » Power Breakfasts » Kobichi Vadi | Vegan Cabbage Fritters

    Published: Sep 22, 2020 · Modified: Sep 22, 2020 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Kobichi Vadi | Vegan Cabbage Fritters

    Recipe Print
    steamed Vegan Cabbage Fritters served in a round plate with a bowl of ketchup with text at the top
    a round plate filled with fried Kobichi Vadi and text at the top
    a collage of Vegan Cabbage Fritters with text at the top

    Kobichi Vadi or Steamed Cabbage Fritters is an Indian vegan recipe with cabbage. This traditional Maharashtrian snack is delicious and healthy!

    Steamed cakes take about 15 minutes to make and the fried ones can also be served at parties!

    a set of hands holding a platter full of fried Vegan Cabbage Fritters

    Serve these at a party!

    Table of Contents

    • Netflix and cooking shows
    • Trending now
    • Indian cuisine is so vast
    • Why these are a must-try snack
    • Ingredients needed
    • Here's how to make it
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions
    • Some steamed recipes
    • Some Indian recipes with Cabbage
    • Kobichi Vadi | Vegan Cabbage Fritters

    Netflix and cooking shows

    I am totally hooked on all the travel-food related shows on Netflix currently. Ainsley eats the streets, Somebody feed Phil, A cook abroad, I'll have what Phil is having, The mind of a chef, etc.

    I envy those hosts who get to travel all over the world and try out different food and that too for a living! I sometimes wish I could just take off on a similar journey.

    What I love most about these shows is that the hosts really explore the local food, go to extreme places to try them out, and give an honest review.

    It's wonderful to see the local kitchens, how the locals cook, what spices they use and one also gets to know about some unique ingredients.

    Whenever I see something I like in such shows, I quickly make a note of it to try later. That list keeps growing. 

    Trending now

    Indian cuisine is so vast

    World cuisine is so diverse, but Indian cuisine in itself has so much variety.

    It's vast, given the range of diversity in soil type, climate, culture, ethnic groups, and occupations, our cuisines internally vary substantially from each other.

    Every cuisine uses locally available spices, herbs, seasonal vegetables, and fruits and that is what makes it unique.

    Despite my being an Indian, I am still discovering the various aspects of this cuisine and that keeps me going full steam ahead.

    Just recently I discovered this recipe called Kobichi Vadi. It literally means Cabbage Cakes and is very similar to Kothimbir Vadi.

    steamed Vegan Cabbage Fritters served in a round plate with a bowl of ketchup

    Enjoy this guilt-free!

    Why these are a must-try snack

    According to me, steaming cooks and seals in flavor, eliminating the need for adding additional fats during preparation.

    It also preserves nutrients better than any other cooking method. This is one of the few Indian recipes with cabbage that I absolutely love!

    This recipe actually hails from the Maharashtrian cuisine and is a very popular snack. 

    • Quick and easy vegan savory snack.
    • Is low-calorie if steamed, shallow fried, or baked.
    • Just one batch can yield many pieces.
    • Nice way to sneak some unpopular veggies into a meal.
    • The steamed cabbage cakes are delicious to taste while also being very healthy.
    • The fried cabbage fritters are a crowd-pleaser.

    Ingredients needed

    all the ingredients needed to make Kobichi Vadi  placed on a tray with labels on them

    That's all you need!

    Since this is a vegan cabbage recipe, one of the main ingredients here is cabbage. You can use any variety of cabbage or patta gobi. Just make sure to chop it finely. 

    They are a good source of vitamins and dietary fiber. 

    Spices - turmeric, garam masala, asafoetida, cumin, and sesame seeds.

    Flour - chickpea flour or besan is the main flour here. Rice flour helps to make these fritter crisp. You may also add 2 tablespoons of jowar flour in you want.

    Chickpea flour is rich in protein and carbs.

    Ginger, green chilies, and cilantro are added to give it more flavor and spice. 

    Here's how to make it

    6 image collage showing the steps to make Kobichi Vadi

    Very easy to make!

    This vegan cabbage recipe is so yummy that you will be making them on repeat!

    1. In a mixing bowl, add chickpea flour and rice flour.
    2. Then add dry spices like turmeric, garam masala, asafoetida.
    3. Add sesame seeds and cumin seeds, next.
    4. Chopped cilantro, minced green chilies, and ginger paste go in next.
    5. Then add shredded cabbage to the bowl.
    6. Add salt and make a very thick batter by adding enough water. Can add Eno (fruit salt) at this point if needed.
    4 image collage showing that these Kobichi Vadi can be served steamed and fried

    Can enjoy them steamed or fried!

    Now you will need a steamer for the next step. I use my Idli cooker as a steamer that comes with a dhokla plate. You can also steam them in the Instant Pot. 

    1. Pour the batter in a greased steaming dish and steam it for 10-15 minutes.
    2. You can test if it's done by inserting a knife in the batter. It should come out clean. Let it cool down a bit once done. 
    3. Then cut them in squares. You can enjoy them right away. They will be soft yet delicious to taste.
    4. Or you can fry or shallow fry them in oil till they turn golden, for a more crispy flavor.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve the steamed Kobichi Vadi or fried Cabbage Fritters warm with some chutney/ketchup on the side. 

    You can also serve it like a Dhokla, temper oil with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
    Spread it all over the steamed cabbage cakes and garnish with coriander and/or grated coconut.

    They can be served for breakfast or as an evening snack along with Masala Chai or Dalgona Coffee.

    Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as an after-school snack. You can also serve them at any party or get-together. 

    a set of hands holding a plate full of Vegan Cabbage Fritters served with ketchup

    Even the steamed ones taste so good!

    Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions

    You can also use the coleslaw mix to make these cabbage fritters. Any variety of cabbage can be used here. Just make sure to chop it finely.

    Can also add grated carrots, chopped spinach, fenugreek leaves, or any other greens to make this Kobichi Vadi even more nourishing.

    Feel free to give it any shape you want. There are many ways to serve it once they are steamed. You can also bake these cabbage cakes in the oven or even shallow fry. 

    You can follow this same recipe to make Kothimbir Vadi. Skip cabbage and add cilantro instead. 

    These steamed cabbage cakes can be frozen or refrigerated in advance. Then you can fry or shallow fry them as and when needed. 

    I would suggest that the fried ones be consumed when hot or warm. 

    a round plate filled with fried Kobichi Vadi

    Very delicious and very addictive!

    Some steamed recipes

    • Lentil Bafauri
    • Healthy Steamed Falafel Naan Pizza
    • Oil-Free Bulgur Wheat Spinach Idli
    • Mini Masala Idli
    • Amaranth Potato Idli
    • Sweet Potato Quinoa Idli
    • Vegan Lentil Balls
    • Ragi Kale Idli

    Some Indian recipes with Cabbage

    I know that cabbage is not a favorite vegetable of many. But these Indian recipes with cabbage will make you like them. 

    • Bengali style Cabbage Potato Curry
    • Cabbage Chickpea flour Stir-Fry
    • Instant pot Cabbage Lentil Quinoa Soup
    • Cabbage Lentil Stir-fry
    2 hands reaching out to grab some kobichi vadi from a plate

    Loved by all across ages!

    If you’ve tried this Kobichi Vadi | Vegan Cabbage Fritters Recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how it went by commenting below, I love hearing from you!

    You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.

    a set of hands holding a platter full of fried Vegan Cabbage Fritters

    Kobichi Vadi | Vegan Cabbage Fritters

    Kobichi Vadi or Steamed Cabbage Fritters is an Indian vegan recipe with cabbage. This traditional Maharashtrian snack is delicious and healthy! Steamed cakes take about 15 minutes to make and the fried ones can also be served at parties!
    3.50 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: Indian, Maharashtrian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 155.24kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Equipment

    steamer

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup chickpea flour
    • 2 tablespoon rice flour
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • ¼ teaspoon asafoetida
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 3 tablespoon cilantro chopped
    • 3 green chilies
    • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
    • 1 cup cabbage shredded
    • Salt
    • Water as needed
    • Oil for greasing/frying

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl, add chickpea flour and rice flour.
    • Then add dry spices like turmeric, garam masala, asafoetida.
    • Add sesame seeds and cumin seeds, next.
    • Chopped cilantro, minced green chilies, and ginger paste go in next.
    • Then add shredded cabbage to the bowl.
    • Add salt and make a very thick batter by adding enough water. Can add Eno (fruit salt) at this point if needed.
    • Pour the batter in a greased steaming dish and steam it for 10-15 minutes.
    • You can test if it's done by inserting a knife in the batter. It should come out clean. Let it cool down a bit once done.
    • Then cut them in squares. You can enjoy them right away. They will be soft yet delicious to taste.
    • Or you can fry or shallow fry them in oil till they turn golden, for a more crispy flavor.
    • Alternatively, you can also bake them at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

    Notes

    You can also use the coleslaw mix to make these cabbage fritters. Any variety of cabbage can be used here. Just make sure to chop it finely.
    Can also add grated carrots, chopped spinach, fenugreek leaves, or any other greens to make this Kobichi Vadi even more nourishing.
    Feel free to give it any shape you want. There are many ways to serve it once they are steamed. You can also bake these cabbage cakes in the oven or even shallow fry. 
    You can follow this same recipe to make Kothimbir Vadi. Skip cabbage and add cilantro instead. 
    These steamed cabbage cakes can be frozen or refrigerated in advance. Then you can fry or shallow fry them as and when needed. 
    I would suggest that the fried ones be consumed when hot or warm. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155.24kcal | Carbohydrates: 24.57g | Protein: 7.49g | Fat: 2.61g | Saturated Fat: 0.31g | Sodium: 137.33mg | Potassium: 306.82mg | Fiber: 5.25g | Sugar: 4.99g | Vitamin A: 37.39IU | Vitamin C: 10.46mg | Calcium: 30.26mg | Iron: 2.19mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share your creation by tagging me on Instagram @Cookilicious using #cookiliciousveg!
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    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information on my Affiliate and Advertising Policy, please click here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara Welch says

      September 23, 2020 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun and tasty little cake! Can practically smell all the aromas through my computer; looking forward to enjoying these later this week!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

        🙂 Thank you so much

        Reply
    2. Emily says

      September 23, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      So many flavors packed into each bite, and vegetarian to boot!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    3. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says

      September 23, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      I love Indian recipes but have never heard of this one before! I can't wait to give it a try this weekend! Thank you x

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

        Yes, its a hidden treasure! 🙂 Thank you

        Reply
    4. Carrie Robinson says

      September 23, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      I hadn't heard of these before, but they look and sound delicious! 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 23, 2020 at 5:54 pm

        Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
    5. Kelli says

      September 22, 2020 at 5:18 pm

      These look delicious! I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate veggies into appetizers and I know these will be a hit! Just need to buy the flours!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 22, 2020 at 10:24 pm

        That's great! Glad you liked it

        Reply
    6. Nathan says

      September 22, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, these look absolutely delicious. I like that there's the option to stick with steaming them. I have to admit I'm a sucker for fried food though, so I love that I can fry them up too!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 22, 2020 at 10:25 pm

        I know right! Even I love fried food but even the steamed ones taste so good 🙂

        Reply
    7. Anita says

      September 22, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      Love it! It's great to make a big batch, then just fry as needed. 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 22, 2020 at 10:24 pm

        Yes, that is why I love this recipe 🙂

        Reply
    8. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      September 22, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      These sound like such a delicious and healthy snack!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 22, 2020 at 4:21 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    9. Christian Guzman says

      September 22, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious treat! I can't wait to give it a try. Do you have any substitute suggestions for the asafoetida?

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 22, 2020 at 4:21 pm

        Thank you. You can skip adding it or add mustard powder instead.

        Reply
    10. Yale Rosenblatt says

      February 19, 2020 at 7:09 pm

      I know this is a simplistic question. But how do you steam a semi liquid in a steamer. Since most steamers have holes in them for the steam to come up from the water boiling below it. How does the food product not fill up and them not fall into the holes right below them into the water?

      Yale

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 19, 2020 at 9:58 pm

        You can place a banana leaf at the base. But even otherwise, the steamer holes are not that big for food to escape. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    11. Sarah says

      November 27, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      What can you substitute for rice flour?

      Reply
      • Priya says

        November 27, 2019 at 10:53 pm

        You can add corn flour or all-purpose flour

        Reply
    12. sangeeta Sethi says

      October 30, 2019 at 1:33 pm

      Fabulous delicious healthy preparation..

      Reply
    13. Sarah says

      October 19, 2019 at 6:26 am

      Hi,
      How do you steam something like this without a steamer? Recipe looks great but I feel this info is crucial...?

      Many thanks

      Reply
      • Priya says

        October 20, 2019 at 6:06 pm

        You can use any kind of steamer. You can even boil it in an Instant Pot.

        Reply
    14. Katelyn Lindsey says

      April 17, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      What is a steamer? or how do you steam something like this?

      Reply
    15. Ann S says

      January 27, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Hi Priya, this recipe looks so good! I don't own an idli cooker. Would this recipe work if I cooked it in a small cake pan set on a steaming rack in my stock pot?

      Reply
      • Priya says

        January 27, 2018 at 6:16 pm

        Thanks. All you need is a steamer..use any appliance..it will work.

        Reply

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