Sindhi Style Besan Tikki Ki Sabzi
Description:
Sindhi Style Besan Tikki Ki Sabzi is a comforting and flavorful dish from Sindhi cuisine, perfect for those moments when your vegetable pantry is running low. Made with gram flour (besan) and seasoned with spices like cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder, this recipe is further elevated by a delightful tomato and onion gravy. The besan tikkis soak up the spicy, aromatic curry, making it a perfect pairing with both rice and rotis. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this vibrant sabzi is sure to hit the spot.
Cuisine:
Sindhi
Course:
Main Course
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| For the Tikkis | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Poppy seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Anardana Powder (Pomegranate Seed Powder) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | As per taste |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Oil (for deep frying) | As needed for frying |
| For the Curry | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Oil | 1-1/2 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, for garnish | As needed for garnish |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
45 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Besan Tikkis
-
Start by making the besan tikkis. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), poppy seeds, finely chopped green chilies, anardana powder (pomegranate seed powder), chopped coriander leaves, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well.
-
Gradually add water, little by little, to form a firm dough. Be sure to add only a small amount of water at a time to avoid making the dough too soft. Knead it gently to form a smooth and slightly firm dough.
-
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Using your palms, flatten each ball into a round patty or “tikki.”
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In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, gently drop the prepared tikkis into it. Allow them to sit in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften.
-
After 3 minutes, remove the tikkis from the water, drain, and let them cool to room temperature.
-
Heat enough oil in a kadai (wok) for deep frying the tikkis. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the besan tikkis to the oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft inside. Once fried, remove the tikkis from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Onion Gravy
-
While the tikkis are cooling, heat oil in a pressure cooker on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
-
Once the onions are browned, add the turmeric powder, chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and kasuri methi. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
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Add a little water to the pressure cooker to help form a gravy. Stir the mixture and close the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook for about 3 whistles. Afterward, reduce the heat and let it simmer on low flame for an additional 2 minutes.
-
Turn off the heat, and allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker. Once the pressure is released, check the thickness of the gravy and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 3: Combine the Tikkis and Gravy
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Gently add the fried besan tikkis into the tomato gravy. Let the tikkis soak in the gravy for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and absorb the rich, flavorful spices from the curry.
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Once the tikkis have absorbed the flavors, turn off the flame. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and aroma.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Sindhi Style Besan Tikki Ki Sabzi hot, paired with Tawa Parathas or a simple Spiced Carrot Pulao for a complete meal. Add a side of Tadka Raita to balance the spice and create a comforting, flavorful lunch or dinner.
Enjoy this delightful Sindhi dish with your family and friends, and let its rich flavors transport you to the heart of Sindhi cuisine!
