When Halloween rolls around, most people think of candy, caramel apples, and spooky desserts. But who says Halloween treats have to be all sugar and chocolate? This year, take your trick-or-treat night up a notch with a sizzling, savory twist — Veg Seekh Kebabs!
Perfectly spiced, smoky, and satisfying, these vegetarian kebabs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner option that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want something hearty to snack on while handing out candy, these Veg Seekh Kebabs fit the bill perfectly.
Let’s dive into this 6-step guide to making Veg Seekh Kebabs — a festive, flavorful recipe that will turn your Halloween night into an unforgettable feast!
Why Veg Seekh Kebabs Are Perfect for Halloween
Halloween is all about indulgence — but between all the candy and sweet treats, your guests might crave something savory. Veg Seekh Kebabs, a popular Indian street food made from spiced vegetables and chickpeas or lentils, bring a delicious balance to your Halloween menu.
Their golden-brown crust and vibrant spices add warmth to chilly October nights, while their smoky aroma fills your kitchen with cozy fall vibes.
Plus, these kebabs are:
- Vegetarian (and easily vegan!)
- Packed with plant-based protein
- Perfect as party appetizers or snacks
- Easy to make ahead of time and reheat before serving
For your Halloween get-together, serve them on skewers for a fun, “grab-and-go” style snack — perfect for guests who want something festive and filling between trick-or-treat rounds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 10–12 Veg Seekh Kebabs, depending on size.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, beans, peas, corn)
- ½ cup boiled chickpeas (or use cooked lentils)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, minced (optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder or paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
For Serving:
- Mint chutney or yogurt sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Pickled onions
Pro Tip: If you want to go all out for Halloween, serve the kebabs with a “bloody” beetroot dip — it’s both spooky and delicious!
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Mix
Start by steaming or boiling your vegetables — carrots, beans, peas, and corn — until they’re soft but not mushy. Drain them well to remove excess water; moisture can make your kebabs fall apart later.
In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and chickpeas together until smooth. Add the cooked vegetables, chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste.
Mix everything thoroughly — this will form the base of your Veg Seekh Kebabs.
Step 2: Add the Spices and Binding Agents
Now for the best part — flavor! Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice to the mixture. Then, sprinkle in bread crumbs and cornstarch (or chickpea flour) to help bind the kebabs together.
Use your hands to knead the mixture gently until it’s firm and holds shape. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more bread crumbs; if it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water or lemon juice.
The goal is to get a dough-like consistency that you can easily shape around skewers.
Step 3: Shape the Kebabs
Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into a long cylinder shape. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Now, carefully press the mixture around each skewer, forming smooth, even kebabs about 4–5 inches long. If you’re not using skewers, you can simply shape them into oval patties — they’ll taste just as good!
Lay the shaped kebabs on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
You can pan-fry, bake, or grill these kebabs — whichever suits your setup.
Option 1: Pan-Frying
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the kebabs gently and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and crispy.
Option 2: Oven-Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the kebabs lightly with oil and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Option 3: Grilling (Perfect for Parties!)
Fire up your outdoor or stovetop grill. Brush each kebab with oil and grill for 10–12 minutes, rotating frequently until charred on all sides.
The key is to cook them until they develop a crisp exterior while remaining soft inside.
Step 5: Serve with a Halloween Twist
Presentation matters — especially on Trick-or-Treat Night!
Serve your Veg Seekh Kebabs hot, arranged neatly on a platter with:
- Mint-cilantro chutney for freshness
- Tangy yogurt dip to balance the spice
- Beetroot or tomato “bloody” dip for a spooky Halloween vibe
To make things even more festive, place kebabs upright in mini pumpkins or serve them in shot glasses filled with dipping sauce. Kids and adults alike will love the creative, edible display.
Step 6: Make Ahead and Store
Planning a busy Halloween night? No problem! Veg Seekh Kebabs are incredibly make-ahead friendly.
Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Store shaped kebabs (uncooked) in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze: Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake or pan-fry from frozen for 10–12 minutes — no thawing required!
This means you can prep them the day before your party and simply cook them while guests arrive. Less stress, more fun!
Why These Kebabs Steal the Show on Trick-or-Treat Night
Aside from their irresistible taste, these Veg Seekh Kebabs make your Halloween menu stand out from the usual candy and sweets. They’re easy to hold, mess-free, and ideal for finger-food-style gatherings.
They also pair beautifully with fall drinks — think apple cider, spiced chai, or a pumpkin spice cocktail.
Plus, they’re versatile enough for everyone:
- Vegetarians and vegans will love the plant-based protein.
- Kids enjoy the mild spices and fun skewers.
- Adults appreciate the smoky, complex flavors.
So, while others are biting into sugary treats, your guests will be lining up for seconds of these flavorful, festive kebabs!
Health Benefits of Veg Seekh Kebabs
These kebabs aren’t just tasty — they’re nutrient-rich and guilt-free too!
- High in Fiber: Thanks to vegetables and chickpeas, they keep you full and energized.
- Protein-Packed: Paneer, lentils, or chickpeas provide plant-based protein.
- Low in Fat: Baked or grilled versions use minimal oil.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread crumbs with oat flour or crushed cornflakes.
So, while you’re indulging in Halloween fun, you’re still nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween, ditch the sugar overload and surprise your guests with something savory, smoky, and satisfying — Veg Seekh Kebabs!
They’re flavorful, festive, and incredibly easy to make in just six simple steps. With the right blend of spices and seasonal creativity, you’ll have a dish that perfectly complements the spooky spirit of Trick-or-Treat night.
Serve them hot off the grill, garnish with lemon wedges, and watch your friends and family devour them between candy breaks. Because sometimes, the best Halloween treats aren’t sweet — they’re spicy!