Healthy Chicken Balls (Desi-Italian Fusion)

Calories

380-420 kcal

Instructions:

1. Make the Chicken Balls:
* In a bowl, mix minced chicken, ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and oats/besan.
* Shape into small balls.
* Option 1: Steam or boil for 8–10 minutes until cooked.
* Option 2: Air-fry at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
* Heat ghee in a pan.
* Add jeera and let it crackle.
* Add ginger-garlic, sauté till aromatic.
* Add onion and cook till slightly golden.
* Add tomato, cook till soft.
* Add capsicum, cabbage, carrot, zucchini—sauté for 2–3 minutes (keep them crunchy for nutrition).

3. Add Flavors:
* Add turmeric, red chili, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
* Stir in tomato ketchup and a splash of water if needed.

4. Combine:
* Add the cooked chicken balls.
* Toss everything gently so the balls get coated with the masala and veggies.
* Cover for 2 minutes so flavors blend well.

5. Serve:
* Serve hot as a snack or with roti/quinoa for a wholesome meal.

Health Benefits:

1. High in Protein
* Chicken and oats/besan provide lean, muscle-building protein.

2. Rich in Fiber
* Brown rice + veggies like cabbage, carrot, zucchini = better digestion and satiety.

3. Low in Bad Fats
* No deep frying; uses ghee in moderation for healthy fat and flavor.

4. Packed with Antioxidants
* Onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices offer anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting benefits.

5. Balanced Meal
* Contains all major macronutrients (protein, complex carbs, healthy fats) + micronutrients from vegetables.

Ingredients

For Chicken Balls:
250 g minced chicken
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tbsp oats or besan (for binding)
For Stir-Fry Veggie Sauce:
1 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1 tsp ginger-garlic (finely chopped)
1 onion, sliced
1 tomato, finely chopped
¼ cup capsicum, chopped
¼ cup cabbage, shredded
¼ cup carrot, julienned
¼ cup carrot, julienned
¼ cup zucchini, chopped
Spices & Seasoning:
¼ tsp turmeric
½ tsp red chili powder
Salt & pepper to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp tomato ketchup (or homemade tomato puree for a cleaner version)