Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Aloo Tikki is a popular Indian street food and snack that has won the hearts of food lovers across the globe. This delightful dish is made from mashed potatoes, spices, and herbs, shaped into small patties, and then fried to golden perfection. It's versatile, delicious, and can be served in various ways, making it a favorite among people of all ages.

History

The history of Aloo Tikki traces back to the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era. It is believed to have originated in the northern parts of India, where it was a staple among the street food vendors. Over the years, Aloo Tikki has evolved, incorporating local flavors and ingredients, making it a beloved snack in every part of the country.

Ingredients

3 cups boiled mashed potatoes
0.25 cup refined flour (maida)
1 cup flaked rice (poha or powdered rice)
2 chopped green chillies
1 chopped onion
1 chopped tomato
2 tsp roasted cumin powder
2 tsp red chilli powder
1 cup yogurt (curd)
salt to taste
vegetable oil as required
0.5 cup green chutney
0.5 cup tamarind chutney

How to prepare

Thoroughly wash the poha and squeeze out all the water.
Soak the poha in about 0.13 cup of water for 5 minutes until it becomes soft.
Then, mash it.
Add mashed potatoes, refined flour, and salt.
Knead the mixture until smooth.
Take a small portion of the potato mixture and flatten it on your palm, shaping it into a round, 1 cm thick patty.
Repeat the previous step to make tikkis with the remaining mixture and set them aside.
Heat about 3 tbsp of oil in a frying pan (preferably flat or non-stick).
Fry the tikkis on medium heat until they turn golden brown on both sides.
While frying, remember to flip the tikkis to prevent them from burning.
Once all the tikkis are cooked, prepare them for serving.
Place 2 tikkis on a plate.
Flatten the tikkis and add chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, and green chillies.
Add about 1 tbsp of yogurt, a little green chutney, and tamarind chutney.
Sprinkle a pinch of red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt.
Repeat the same procedure for the remaining tikkis.
Serve the aloo tikkia hot.
(Optional: Garnish with chopped green coriander leaves).

Variations

1. Stuffed Aloo Tikki: Stuff the tikkis with a mixture of spiced peas or paneer before frying.
2. Vegan Aloo Tikki: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for garnishing to make the recipe vegan.
3. Sweet Potato Aloo Tikki: Substitute sweet potatoes for a healthier version rich in beta-carotene.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Ensure the potatoes are boiled well in advance and cooled before mashing to avoid a gooey texture.

2. Adding a bit of cornstarch or breadcrumbs to the potato mixture can help in binding the tikkis better and prevent them from breaking while frying.

3. Fry the tikkis on medium heat to ensure they are cooked well from the inside and have a crispy exterior.

4. Use a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil needed for frying.

Serving Suggestions

Aloo Tikki can be served with a variety of chutneys, such as mint, tamarind, or coriander chutney. It also pairs well with yogurt or raita for a refreshing taste. Serving it as a chaat, topped with chickpeas, diced onions, tomatoes, and spices, is another popular option.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional method of cooking Aloo Tikki, but for a healthier version, you can opt for air frying or baking. These methods reduce the oil content without compromising on the taste and texture of the tikkis.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Poha can be substituted with breadcrumbs or semolina for a different texture.

2. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or rice flour instead of refined flour.

Make Ahead Tips

The potato mixture for Aloo Tikki can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shape and fry the tikkis just before serving to ensure they are crispy and fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Aloo Tikki on a platter garnished with thin sev, pomegranate seeds, and chopped coriander leaves for a visually appealing and delicious snack.

Pairing Recommendations

Aloo Tikki pairs well with masala chai or a cold beverage like lemonade. It also goes well with various Indian bread like pav or roti for a filling meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Aloo Tikki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in an air fryer to retain the crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Aloo Tikki (two medium-sized tikkis) can contain approximately 200-250 calories, making it a moderate-calorie snack option.

Carbohydrates

Aloo Tikki is primarily made from potatoes, which are a rich source of carbohydrates. A single serving of Aloo Tikki can contain approximately 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy.

Fats

The amount of fat in Aloo Tikki largely depends on the method of cooking. When fried, a single serving can contain about 10-15 grams of fat, mainly from the oil used in frying. Opting for shallow frying or air frying can significantly reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Aloo Tikki is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing about 2-3 grams of protein. However, pairing it with a protein-rich dip or side dish can help increase the protein content of the meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes, the main ingredient in Aloo Tikki, are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The addition of spices and herbs also contributes small amounts of various vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Alergens

Aloo Tikki is gluten-free, but it may contain allergens such as dairy (if yogurt is used in the recipe) and nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, and spices). It's important to consider these allergens if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Summary

Aloo Tikki is a delicious and energy-rich snack that provides carbohydrates and fats, with moderate calories per serving. While not high in protein, it can be paired with protein-rich foods to make a balanced meal.

Summary

Aloo Tikki is a versatile and beloved snack that combines the goodness of potatoes with the flavors of Indian spices. Whether served as a snack or part of a meal, its delicious taste and texture make it a favorite among people of all ages. With various serving suggestions and recipe variations, Aloo Tikki can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it a must-try dish for anyone who loves Indian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Aloo Tikki. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dish for a family gathering. As she handed me a potato and a few spices, she began to explain how to make Aloo Tikki.

As she spoke, I watched in awe as she effortlessly peeled the potato and mashed it with her skilled hands. She then added a pinch of this and a dash of that, all the while explaining the importance of each ingredient and how it contributed to the overall flavor of the dish. I was mesmerized by her knowledge and expertise, and I knew that I wanted to learn everything I could from her.

Over the years, I watched my grandmother cook countless meals, each one more delicious than the last. She had a knack for taking simple, humble ingredients and turning them into mouthwatering dishes that had everyone coming back for seconds. And as I grew older, I began to help her in the kitchen, learning the ins and outs of traditional Indian cooking.

The recipe for Aloo Tikki was one that I particularly enjoyed making with my grandmother. It was a simple yet flavorful dish that reminded me of my childhood and the times spent in the kitchen with her. The crispy, golden-brown potato patties, flavored with a mix of spices and fresh herbs, were a family favorite and always disappeared quickly whenever we made them.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Aloo Tikki for them, passing down the recipe and the memories that came with it. I added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to create a version that was uniquely mine. And just like my grandmother had done with me, I taught my children how to make Aloo Tikki, instilling in them a love for cooking and a respect for the traditions that had been passed down through generations.

As the years went by, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, always eager to expand my culinary repertoire. I learned how to make dishes from different regions of India, as well as recipes from other countries around the world. But no matter how many new recipes I discovered, the recipe for Aloo Tikki remained a constant in my kitchen, a reminder of my grandmother and the love she had poured into every meal she made.

And now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but smile as I think back to that day when my grandmother first showed me how to make Aloo Tikki. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, a dish that has brought my family together for generations. And as I pass it down to my own grandchildren, I know that it will continue to be a part of our family's story for years to come.