Veg Canapes Recipe | Video

Looking for an easy Indian appetizer recipe? Then try these vegetarian canapes. Ritz crackers are topped with a spicy vegetable topping and grated cheese.

These bite size appetizers are easy to make and perfect to make ahead of time. Serve these as starter or appetizer for the holidays or bring them to a potluck.

About the Recipe

Most of the American appetizers are either creamy or cheesy. There are cheese platters and also dips like this creamy caramelized onion dip . So, when I think of appetizers, the only ones that come to mind are the American cheesy dips with chips or veggies. While most of the Indian appetizers on the other hand are deep fried like spring rolls, pakora, samosa etc.

So when my cousin served this Indian style veg canapes for appetizer on one of our India trips, I absolutely loved the idea. Ritz crackers (my cousin used Monaco biscuits) topped with a spicy veggie topping and grated cheese. Sounds simple but it is quite delicious and addictive.

The spicy vegetable mixture is great to serve as topping on canapes or served as a spicy dip for chips.

The best part of this veg canapes recipe is that the vegetable topping can be made ahead of time. Which makes it a perfect dish to serve for parties or bring to potlucks.

The mixed veggie dip is literally packed with veggies and is easy to make. You can change up the veggies and use the ones that you like and have on hand.

I usually end up eating quite a few of these vegetarian canapes while assembling in the name of taste testing. Do try this easy veggie canapes recipe, I am sure you will love it.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients you need to make these tasty vegetarian canapes. For the vegetable dip you need:

• Mixed Vegetables - I usually use whatever veggies I have on hand. Carrot, green beans, bell peppers, green peas are my go-to. But you can also use cabbage, cauliflower, corn etc. Just make sure to finely chop the veggies.
• Onion & green chilies
• Tomato
• Kitchen king masala - adds a really nice flavor to the vegetable dip. Kitchen king masala, is a blend of spices and most spice brands carry it. I usually buy MDH brand. It is spicy and adds a bit of heat too, so a little goes a long way. If you can’t get your hands on this, good old Garam Masala will do the trick.
• Red chili powder and salt
• Ketchup - sub it with tomato paste

Other ingredients you need to make these canapes are:

• Ritz crackers or pita chips or any of your favorite salted crackers
• Cheese - grated mozzarella, cheddar or any of your favorite cheese. Skip the cheese if you want to keep this appetizer vegan.

Instructions

Here is how to make this easy and delicious Indian style vegetarian canapes:

Steam or microwave the veggies until tender.

Heat oil in a pan, add the onions, green chilies and cook until the onions are translucent, about 2~3 minutes. Add the tomato and cook till mushy, about 2~3 minutes. Next add the cooked veggies and cook for 4~5 minutes.

Stir in the red chili powder, kitchen king masala, ketchup and salt. Mix well and cook for 1~2 minutes for the flavors to mingle. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Cool slightly.

Top each cracker with 1~2 teaspoons of veggie topping and grated cheese. Serve right away and enjoy!!

Expert Tips

• Make sure to chop the veggies really fine. You do not want big chunks of veggies when eating these canapes.
• Also make sure that the veggies are chopped almost the same size for even cooking.
• You can use tomato paste instead of ketchup.
• Kitchen king masala adds a beautiful flavor to this spicy veggie dip. But feel free to sub with garam masala.
• Feel free to use Ritz crackers or pita chips or any of your favorite salted crackers as the base.
• Veggie mixture for the topping can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Microwave until hot before serving.
• Assemble the veg canapes just before serving to ensure that the crackers remain crisp.
• Instead of topping the crackers with the veggie mixture, you can serve it on the side for everyone to help themselves.
• To make vegan canapes, omit the grated cheese or use vegan cheese instead.

You might also like

Here are a few more Indian vegetarian appetizers you might like:

I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

Recipe card