Tag: olives

  • Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    Very Veggie Box patties, the name itself rings in your ear, doesn’t it?
    You must be wondering is it a box or a patty 😉

    The unique and interesting name is because of the way the these patties are folded and made, like wrapping a box. A savory veggie filling is put inside samosa wrappers and then deep fried.

    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    So what exactly are Very Veggie Box Patties? 

    If you are not familiar with box Patties, they are a deep-fried Pakistani pastry snack usually filled with something savory. They are called box patties because their shape resembles a square box which is made by overlapping two samosa wrapper sheets. They are loved all throughout the year but they become almost a staple in every household during Ramadan on the Iftar tables.

    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe ~ Ramadan snack doesn’t get better than this!

    Ingredients in This Very Veggie Box Patties?

    Not only are these simple to make (they require nothing more than few veggies, seasoning and samosa sheets), but the stuffing possibilities are endless!

    1. Veggies: I used carrots, green peas, sweet corn, capsicum, boiled potatoes, cabbage.
    2. Olives: Green and Black Olives
    3. Seasoning: Black pepper, red Pepper flakes, salt
    4. Sauce: red chili Sauce and soy sauce
    That’s all you need to make this Very Veggie Box Patties ! Surprisingly simple ?

    How to Make this Veggie Box Patties:

    This Very Veggie Box Patties recipe is so easy to make and simple that definitely it’s worth trying.

    1. Prepare the Filling: I start off with sautéing veggies to which I add boiled green peas, potatoes, carrot, capsicum, cabbage and sweet corn and olives. Then season it with salt, black pepper, red chili flakes, soy sauce and for an extra kick red chili sauce . 

    2. Prepare the Box Patties: Then put two samosa sheets in a cross pattern, one over the other so they make a + (plus) sign. Then put some veggie filling in the middle. Fold each of the edges one by one over each creating a parcel.
    3. Frying: Then deep fry on medium flame till crispy and golden. You can fry these in advance and keep them in the oven on warm mode and serve when required.

    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    Can I play around with the filling?

    Yes, you can! In this recipe, I have used vegetables carrot, cabbage, capsicum, corn and olives. Some options that I suggest are:

    • For a meaty version use chicken or beef instead of veggies or use shredded cottage cheese (paneer) instead of meat for a vegetarian option. Just make sure that the protein in the filling is cooked through. As the box patties are only fried for a few minutes, I wouldn’t suggest to put raw meat.
    • Skip the vegetables, or add more vegetables. Such as French beans carrots, black olives, green chilies, mushrooms or broccoli. 
    • If you are using large vegetables like broccoli or carrots, make sure they are finely chopped. Pulsing them in the processor for a few seconds will work.
    • Add some taco seasoning for a Mexican twist or experiment with other spice blends. 😛
    • To give a different taste to the patties box, you can also add pizza seasoning or Oregano and Chili Flakes to the vegetable stuffing.
    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe
    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    Other variations to this Very Veggie Box Patties?

    • Healthy Alternative: These square shaped patties are filled with a flavorful veggie filling. The chewiness of the veggie stuffing and the crunchiness of the covering, is a delicious combination. There are two options, baking or frying. If you do not like oil, you can bake it in pre-heated oven for 15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Deep frying obviously gives best results but they can also be baked or air-fried.
    • Wrappers: If you do not get samosa sheets , then cut the spring roll sheets into strips. The trimmings you can fry and keep them to garnish your soups or salads.
    • Extra Crispness: For extra crispiness, roll them with Bread Crumbs before frying.
    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe
    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    Can I freeze them? 

    Definitely!

    1. Grease a tray (can be plastic or a baking tray) and lay out the box patties one by one on it, making sure there is space between each one of them.
    2. Keep them in the freezer for an hour or so till they are partially frozen. Once they are frozen, carefully remove them from the tray and place them in a plastic box or  zip lock bags.
    3. To make the box patties, just take them out of the freezer, thawed and deep fry on medium heat until crispy and golden brown. 
    4. This recipe actually makes a large batch that can be easily frozen and is just the thing to have on hand for impromptu guests or if you are in the mood for a light snack to enjoy with your evening tea.

    Bismillah let’s get started.
    Check it out Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe and printable version here!!

    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    These square shaped patties are filled with a flavorful veggie filling. The chewiness of the veggie stuffing and the crunchiness of the covering, is a delicious combination.

    For Veggie Filling:

    • 1-1/2 cups cabbage (shredded)
    • 1 cup carrot (chopped)
    • 1 cup green capsicum (chopped)
    • 1 cup boiled potatoes (chopped)
    • 1 cup boiled green peas
    • 1 /2 cup sweet corn
    • 2-3 green and black olives (sliced)
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 tsp crushed red chili
    • 1/2 tsp red pepper powder
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • salt to taste

    For Box Patties:

    • 24 samosa sheets
    • oil for deep frying
    • egg wash (for sheet binding)

    To Prepare the Filling:

    1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat.
    2. Saute carrots, green peas, sweet corn for a minute then add capsicum along with boiled potatoes and cabbage.
    3. Stir fry 1-2 minutes (don’t over cooked the veggies).
    4. Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.
    5. Stir in the soy sauce and red chili sauce.
    6. Taste at this time and adjust the seasoning if required.
    7. Take it out the mixture in a bowl and let it cool.

    To Prepare the Box Patties:

    1. Thaw the samosa pastry according to package instructions.
    2. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and set aside.
    3. Take two strips of samosa sheets and put them in a cross pattern, one over the other so they make a + (plus) sign. (Watch the short video for a step by step tutorial on how to fold the box patties).
    4. Spread some egg where the + sign is being joined.
    5. Place the 2 tbsp veggie filling in the middle and spread the egg wash on the edges. Fold each of the edges one by one over each creating a parcel. Make sure the parcel is completely closed.
    6. At this point, you can freeze the box patties and keep them in the freezer for up to one month if you want.
    7. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
    8. Deep fry them in hot oil on medium flame till nice and golden Or you can even bake or air fry them.
    9. Remove box patties from the oil and drain on an absorbent paper.
    10. Delicious Very Veggie Box Patties are ready to serve.

    Serve them hot with Tomato Ketchup or Mint Chutney and Enjoy!

    Want more Tea Time Snack Inspiration? 

    Here are some other Snack recipes on my blog:

    Hope that you all enjoy this one as much as we have!  Cheers!

    Pin it for Later:

    Very Veggie Box Patties Recipe

    What are your favorite Tea Time Snacks? Leave me a comment below to inspire my next snack recipe!

  • Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs Recipe

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs Recipe

    This salad came to my mind right as I was falling asleep.

    Does your brain ever do crazy stuff like that? My best ideas seem to come when I’m about to doze off and don’t have a notebook or pen to write things down, so I just make a pact with my brain to remember. And the next day we both do our best to recall what we were thinking.

    Thankfully, this one made it through the pipeline! Three cheers for my old lady brain still working!

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs

    I’ve made many a Bean salad before, but this one is special. This is the answer to the question, “What’s super cozy, flavorful and perfect for any BBQ Party?” It’s a great addition to any summer get together!

    This Pakistani/Italian flavor pairing came to mind, and the recipe is adapted from my all-time favorite Bean Salad.   One super easy thing you can prep ahead is beans. I love beans because you can make them so many different ways and they’re packed with protein, slow-digesting carbohydrates and fiber. Their nutritional profile makes them ideal for prepping before a workout and recovering after a workout. If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, they’re great for that too since they make you feel full longer.

    One of my favorite ways to enjoy beans during the warmer months is with my Bean Salad. It’s super easy to make and it tastes really yummy too! This recipe is simple, requiring just 10 minutes to prepare! You can eat it all on its own (what I normally do) or dress it up by adding some more chopped veggies to it. It’s also great added to some greens either in a wrap or in a salad. 

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs

    The dressing is SO easy (and dreamy).

    Italian herbs are blended with vinegar . Add olive oil water to thin and ‘voila!’ You have a super yummy, tangy Italian dressing ready to coat those gorgeous bean salad. Look at that salad goodness.

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs

    I hope you all LOVE this Bean salad! It’s:

    • Hearty
    • Flavorful
    • Vegetable-packed
    • Fiber- & Protein-rich
    • Tangy + Crunchy
    • Super healthy & Delicious

    This would make the perfect side dish for BBQ Party, or any get together, really. It yields four entrée-sized portions or 8 sides, so multiply as needed. Although it’s delicious on its own, it would pair extremely well with my Grilled Lamb Chops, and my Grilled Italian Chicken.

    Bismillah, let’s get started the recipe!!

    Check it out the Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs Recipe and printable version below!!

    Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs Recipe

    Looking for a yummy way to enjoy beans and olives as part of a healthy diet? This Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs recipe is delicious and so easy to make!

    For Salad

    • 2 cups boiled Red Kidney Beans
    • 1/2 cups green olives (sliced)
    • 1 medium red onion
    • 1 medium carrot
    • 1 green bell pepper
    • 1/2 red bell pepper
    • 1 cucumber
    • 1 to mato (de-seeded)

    For Salad Dressing

    • 2 teaspoon vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon olive oil (extra virgin)
    • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb mix (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon basil
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    To Make Salad Dressing

    1. Place everything into a glass salad dressing container or mason jar and shake well.
    2. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 2 hours before serving.
    3. Make sure you shake to combine before use.

    To Prepare the Bean Salad

    1. Place red kidney beans into a strainer and rinse thoroughly until the beans are clean and no more foam remains.
    2. Transfer the kidney beans to a glass bowl.
    3. Cut all vegetables into small dice-shaped cubes and add into the kidney beans. Mix well.
    4. Pour the Italian salad dressing over them.
    5. Stir to combined.
    6. Refrigerate for several hours or at least 2 hours before serving.
    7. Your delicious Bean Salad with Olives and Herbs is ready to serve. ENJOY!!

    Serving Suggestions:
    Serve as a side dish, post-workout snack or add them to your salad.

    Put your own spin on it. And lemme know how it turns out. Post a photo on Facebook (Recipestable) or  on Twitter so I can see how lovely yours turn out.

    Happy Salad Making!!

  • Veggie Pizza Cups Recipe

    Veggie Pizza Cups Recipe

    As a child I was not the veggie lover I am today.When my mommy cooked veggies, I was apprehensive. Vegetables? Ew! A few years have passed since then and I love veggies of all shapes and sizes.  

    This weekend, I had a day off and I decided to cook nothing but finger foods. I knew I wanted veggie pizza, but I wanted something more convenient and easier to eat. I have found that when I make veggie pizza in the flat pizza style, it can be a little messy to eat because the toppings want to fall off. So, I did a quick Youtube search and found the recipe I used as inspiration for my Veggie Pizza Cups.

    Veggie Pizza Cups

    Veggie Pizza Cups recipe
    Photo: Veggie Pizza Cups

    Ramadan is coming and with it comes family get-together’s and parties. And if you need an easy to make appetizer recipe for your next party, then you should try this Veggie Pizza Cups. There’s no reason for buying store made appetizers when they’re so easy to make, fun & cheap and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next party. Don’t slave away in the kitchen when you could be enjoying the party!

     Veggie Pizza Cups recipe

    The idea may seem daunting at first but I hope by now I’ve got you well acquainted with handling different types of pizza’s. Be it: my The Perfect pizza dough recipe used to make not just this beautiful Baby Chicken Bread but also these cute little Mini Pizza Cups. Or this super easy and frugal recipe for Pizza Paratha. And how can we forget, my all-time favorite, the soft puffy Pizza Rolls …O’so good!

     Veggie Pizza Cups recipe
    Cute little Veggie Pizza Cups in Oven

    It’s one of my favorite finger food. It’s amazing that just a few basic ingredients can come together into something so delicious.  For topping, I decided to use mixed veggies (corn, carrot, capsicum, green onion) and mushrooms in these because they’re my favorites veggies, but you could easily mix it up and use any toppings you like. I really do recommend making it as listed though, because these were just perfect. It tastes just like you’re eating a slice of pizza! Don’t skip out on the Italian Seasoning either – I think it adds a lot of flavor.

    They tasted delicious and impressed my family without making a mess. I will definitely be making them again this holiday season.

     Veggie Pizza Cups recipe
    Photo: These bite-sized Veggie Pizza Cups are perfect for picky eaters.

    These Veggie Pizza Cups can be used for appetizers, party snacks, a light lunch, the first course of a dinner. Perfect party for picky eaters.

    It would freeze well if you decided to double the batch. Enjoy 🙂

    Check it out the Veggie Pizza Cups recipe and printable version here!!

    I do hope that your plans for this holiday weekend teeter more to the side of savoring than that of to-doing.


    If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #Recipestable. I’d love to see what you cook!

    Happy Cooking!!

  • Mini Pizza Cups Recipe

    Mini Pizza Cups Recipe

    Pizza is always a crowd pleaser, but making your own can be a bit of a headache. This bite-sized alternative is easy to make and healthy (just 150 calories each!) and as much fun to make as they are to eat.

    Mini Pizza Cups
    Mini Pizza Cups

    Mini Pizza Cups

    I’m sure you’ve all heard of or made Pizza Cupcakes or  Pizza Muffins before. But as simple or obvious as this recipe seems, sometimes we need a good reminder of the un-fussy classics. Sometimes you don’t have time or the right ingredients to make an elaborate meal. When this happens, it’s good to have something simple and inexpensive to fall back on.

    Mini Pizza Cups recipe

    Healthy, Budget Friendly Mini Pizza Cups? Yes, Yes, and Yes!

    Mini Pizza Cups recipe
    Mini Pizza Cups

    If you’re crazy about pizza like me, but can’t justify eating it as much as you’d like, this is a great recipe for you. I used leftover pizza dough, chicken, lots of fresh vegetables, and a tablespoon or so of cheese on each mini pizza. Considering each pizza cup base 60 calories, the shredded chicken & cheese about 40 calories, and the rest of the ingredients were vegetables, I’m guessing each pizza had about 150 calories. This is not scientific, but it’s my best guess.

    Mini Pizza Cups
    Mini Pizza Cups

    An interesting and fun way to present your pizzas. These cute little pizza cups will delight anyone, especially kids. Have your children create their own pizzas, and get creative with the toppings. Perfectly shaped and easy to handle, they make for a great addition to lunch boxes or for picnics and road trips.

    mini-pizza-cups
    Mini Pizza Cups

    Hope you will give this a try and let me know how it turns out for you..

    Check it out the Mini Pizza Cups recipe and printable version here!!

    Mini Pizza Cups Recipe

    Pizza is always a crowd pleaser, but making your own can be a bit of a headache. This bite-sized alternative is easy to make and healthy (just 150 calories each!) and as much fun to make as they are to eat.

    For Pizza Dough

    • 2-1/2 cups plain or all purpose flour
    • 4 tablespoon oil
    • 1-1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
    • 1 teaspoon castor sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 pinches of baking powder
    • warm milk with a bit of water for kneading

    For Mini Pizza Cups

    • 1 cup pizza Sauce or Ketchup (Recipe here)
    • 1 cup cooked chicken
    • 1 small Capsicum (chopped)
    • 1 small onion (chopped)
    • 5-6 black Olives (thinly sliced)
    • 1 cup mozzarella Cheese (grated)
    • Italian herb Seasoning (for topping)
    • 1 teaspoon oil (for greasing)

    To Make Dough

    1. Mix all the dry ingredients and the oil in a bowl or food processor, then gradually add the warm milk a little at a time.
    2. Knead it into a soft dough.
    3. Dab a touch of oil all over the dough, then cover it and place it somewhere warm.
    4. Leave it to rise to double its size, takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the weather.
    5. Once ready, punch down the dough and then divide it into 18 equal balls.
    6. Grease 24 cups muffin pan with oil or butter and set aside.
    7. Roll each dough ball out into a circle of about quarter inch thickness, then gently place it in the cup hole of the pan, patting it gently to fit the shape.
    8. Repeat this method with the rest of the balls.
    9. Next, spread a light layer of pizza sauce in each cup. Then add the chicken, capsicum and onions.
    10. Sprinkle some cheese over the filling and drizzle some ketchup over the top of each cup.
    11. Top with olives and herb seasoning.
    12. Allow the pizza cups to rest and rise for 20 minutes, then preheat the oven at 180 degree C.
    13. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the dough is cooked through.
    14. Remove the pizza cups from the pan and allow them to rest on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
    15. Delicious Mini Pizza Cups are ready to serve. Enjoy!

    Recipe Note’s:
    These delicious Mini Pizza cups can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.

    Serving Suggestions:
    Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

    I have also posted My Fav French Bread Pizza Recipe and Pizza Rolls Recipe which are another easiest & tastiest version of making Pizza. Do check it out as well.  It’s finger lickin’ good. You’ll be coming back for more.


    Put your own spin on it. And lemme know how it turns out. Post a photo on Facebook (Recipestable) or  on Twitter so I can see how lovely yours turn out.

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    Happy Baking!!

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