How to make Aloo Tikki easily at home?

About Aloo Tikki.

Aloo Tikki is a popular Indian street food and snack that consists of spiced potato patties. “Aloo” translates to “potato” in Hindi, and “Tikki” refers to a cutlet or patty. These crispy and flavorful potato patties are made from boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with various spices, and they are typically shallow-fried until golden brown. Aloo Tikki is loved for its delicious taste and is often served with chutneys, yogurt, and various toppings, making it a mouthwatering treat enjoyed across India and beyond.

To make it at home, you’ll need the following ingredients and follow these steps:

Ingredients:

For the Aloo Tikki:

• 4 large potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
• 1/2 cup boiled and mashed green peas (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Coating:

• 2-3 tbsp cornstarch or breadcrumbs (for coating)

For Frying:

• Oil for shallow frying

Instructions:

1. Boil and Mash Potatoes:

• Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender. Once boiled, peel and mash them thoroughly. You can also add the boiled and mashed green peas to the potatoes if desired.

2. Prepare the Spice Mix:

• In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

3. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sautéed onion mixture, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Mix everything together until well combined. Adjust spices to your taste.

4. Shape the Patties:

• Divide the potato mixture into equal portions and shape them into round or oval patties of your desired size, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

5. Coat with Cornstarch or Breadcrumbs:

• Gently coat each it with a thin layer of cornstarch or breadcrumbs. This step helps in achieving a crispy exterior when frying.

6. Heat Oil:

• Heat enough oil in a pan for shallow frying the tikkis. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

7. Fry the Aloo Tikki:

• Carefully place the coated potato patties in the hot oil. Fry them over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, turning as needed. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

8. Drain and Serve:

• Once fried to perfection, remove it from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

9. Serve Hot:

• Serve the hot and crispy it with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, yogurt, or any preferred toppings. They are also great as a filling for chaat or served with bread as a sandwich.

Enjoy your homemade Aloo Tikki as a delicious snack or appetizer!

Nutritional Value.

The nutritional value of it can vary depending on the size of the patties, the cooking method, and any additional ingredients used. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a standard-sized Aloo Tikki (approximately 50-60 grams) when shallow-fried:

• Calories: 100-120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams
• Fat: 4-5 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugar: 1-2 grams
• Sodium: 200-300 mg

Please note that these values are estimates and can change based on factors such as the size of the Aloo Tikki and the type and amount of oil used for frying. The nutritional content may also vary if you add other ingredients like peas or use different coatings. If you have specific dietary concerns or need precise nutritional information, it’s advisable to calculate the values based on your specific recipe and ingredients.

Health Benefits.

Aloo Tikki, like many other foods, offers a combination of nutrients and potential health benefits when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Here are some potential health benefits of it.

1. Good Source of Energy: It is primarily made from potatoes, which are rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities and are an essential part of a balanced diet.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes contain essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals like potassium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
3. Fiber Content: If you add peas to your Aloo Tikki, it can increase the fiber content. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and may contribute to a feeling of fullness.
4. Antioxidants: Some spices and herbs used in it, such as ginger, contain antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall health.
5. Customization: You can customize the recipe to include other vegetables or legumes, such as green peas, which can increase the nutrient profile and add fiber.

However, it’s important to be mindful of how Aloo Tikki is prepared and consumed:

• Portion Control: It is often deep-fried or shallow-fried, which increases its calorie and fat content. Enjoying it in moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet.
• Frying Method: Shallow frying or baking can be healthier alternatives to deep frying, reducing the amount of oil and calories in the dish.
• Toppings: Consider healthier toppings like yogurt, mint chutney, or fresh vegetables to add flavor without excessive calories.
• Balanced Diet: Aloo Tikki should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.

Overall, Aloo Tikki can be a tasty and satisfying snack or meal option, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet to maximize its potential health benefits.

Tips and Tricks.

Here are some tips and tricks to make delicious and perfectly crispy Aloo Tikki:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they can make the tikkis gummy.
2. Boil Potatoes Properly: Boil the potatoes until they are completely tender but not overcooked. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and affect the texture of the tikkis.
3. Mash Thoroughly: Mash the boiled potatoes well to eliminate lumps. A smooth potato mixture ensures even cooking and a uniform texture.
4. Spices and Seasoning: Adjust the spices and seasoning to your taste. You can make the tikkis as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
5. Use Cornstarch or Breadcrumbs: Coating the tikkis with a thin layer of cornstarch or breadcrumbs before frying helps create a crispy outer layer.
6. Shape Tikkis Carefully: When shaping the tikkis, make sure they are of even thickness. This ensures that they cook evenly and become uniformly crispy.
7. Preheat the Oil: Ensure that the oil is hot before adding the tikkis. A hot oil temperature prevents the tikkis from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
8. Shallow Fry or Bake: Shallow frying or baking the tikkis with a little oil is a healthier alternative to deep frying while still achieving a crispy texture.
9. Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the tikkis on paper towels to absorb any excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
10. Serve Hot: Aloo Tikki is best enjoyed when served hot. Serve them immediately with your favorite chutneys or toppings.
11. Variations: Get creative with your Aloo Tikki by adding ingredients like peas, paneer, or grated vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
12. Customize Toppings: Experiment with different toppings and condiments like yogurt, tamarind chutney, or mint-coriander chutney to enhance the flavor.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make mouthwatering Aloo Tikki that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ensuring a delightful snack or appetizer.

Serving Suggestions.

Aloo Tikki is a versatile Indian snack that can be served in various delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Chutneys: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of chutneys:
   • Mint Chutney: Fresh mint-coriander chutney adds a refreshing and spicy kick.
   • Tamarind Chutney: Sweet and tangy tamarind chutney complements the tikkis beautifully.
   • Yogurt: Serve with plain yogurt or whipped yogurt seasoned with salt, sugar, and roasted cumin powder.
2. Chaat: Transform your Aloo Tikki into a chaat by topping it with:
   • Chopped Onions: Add a crunchy bite.
   • Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide juiciness.
   • Sev: Sprinkle fine gram flour noodles for extra texture.
   • Pomegranate Seeds: For a burst of sweetness.
   • Chaat Masala: A sprinkle of chaat masala enhances flavor.
3. Burger: Create an Indian-inspired burger by sandwiching the Aloo Tikki between burger buns. Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of condiments for a satisfying meal.
4. Aloo Tikki Chaat: For a more substantial dish, layer Aloo Tikki in a bowl with yogurt, chutneys, chopped vegetables, and spices to create a hearty Aloo Tikki Chaat.
5. Kathi Roll: Wrap the Aloo Tikki in a flatbread like roti or paratha. Add sliced onions, cucumber, and chutneys for a delightful Kathi Roll.
6. Sandwich: Place the Aloo Tikki between slices of bread or in a sandwich roll. Add lettuce, cheese, and your favorite sandwich fillings for a quick snack.
7. Salad: For a healthier option, crumble Aloo Tikki over a bed of fresh salad greens. Drizzle with vinaigrette or yogurt dressing for a light and satisfying meal.
8. Dahi Puri: Stuff small, hollow puris with mashed Aloo Tikki, yogurt, chutneys, and spices to create Dahi Puri, a popular Indian street food.
9. Tikki Chaat Bowl: Assemble a tikki chaat bowl with Aloo Tikki as the base and top it with all your favorite chaat ingredients for a visually appealing and delicious dish.
10. Customize: Feel free to customize the toppings and condiments to suit your preferences. Aloo Tikki is incredibly versatile, and you can get creative with your favorite flavors.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Aloo Tikki is a delightful and flavorful snack that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

FAQs.