Healthy Amaranth Potato Thyme Croquettes: A Perfect Snack for All Occasions
Looking for a delightful snack that combines the earthy richness of amaranth seeds with the comfort of potatoes and the fresh, aromatic flavor of thyme? These Healthy Amaranth Potato Thyme Croquettes are the perfect option for a light and tasty treat that’s easy to prepare and full of nutritional benefits. Whether served as a quick snack or a side dish, these croquettes are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. With their crispy golden exterior and soft, savory interior, they’re sure to be a hit at your next tea party or family gathering.
This recipe is not only delicious but also vegetarian, making it a versatile option for all diets. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate the nutritious amaranth into your meals in a simple and enjoyable way.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 4, hard-boiled |
| Amaranth Seeds (Rajgira) | 3/4 cup, roasted |
| Fresh Thyme leaves | 3 tablespoons, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, grated |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon (plus extra for brushing) |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
To begin making your Amaranth Potato Thyme Croquettes, start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). The key to making the perfect croquette is ensuring that your potatoes are hard-boiled and not mushy. After boiling, peel the potatoes and grate them finely. Set them aside for later use.
Step 2: Roast the Amaranth
In a skillet, roast the amaranth seeds over low heat. Stir occasionally until they begin to crackle. This process brings out the seeds’ nutty flavor and makes them crispy, adding a lovely texture to your croquettes. Once roasted, remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped green chillies, grated garlic, and chopped thyme. Sauté for a minute or until the ingredients release their aromas.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
Add the grated potatoes to the skillet, followed by the butter, salt, and black pepper powder. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the ingredients are fully incorporated and the butter melts. The result should be a fragrant, creamy potato mixture with a touch of heat from the green chillies.
Step 5: Combine with Amaranth Seeds
To the potato mixture, add the roasted amaranth seeds. Stir until everything is well mixed and the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture. The seeds not only add texture but also provide a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory potatoes and thyme.
Step 6: Shape the Croquettes
Now it’s time to form the croquettes! Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into lemon-sized balls. Alternatively, you can shape them into oval croquettes using the palms of your hands. This step is where you can get creative with the shape of your croquettes!
Step 7: Coat and Bake
Roll each croquette in extra roasted amaranth seeds to coat them evenly on all sides. This gives the croquettes an extra crispy texture when baked. Lightly brush the croquettes with sunflower oil, ensuring they are well coated for a golden finish. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake the croquettes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they turn crisp and evenly browned on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t burn.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the croquettes are perfectly crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve the Amaranth Potato Thyme Croquettes hot with a cup of masala chai for a delightful tea-time snack, especially during the monsoon season. They can also be packed into school lunch boxes for your kids or served as a light appetizer before a main meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Tips for Success
-
Texture of Potatoes: Ensure your boiled potatoes are not too soft or watery. They should be firm and easily grated. If they are too mushy, the croquettes might fall apart while baking.
-
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chillies based on your preference for spiciness. If you like a milder flavor, you can reduce the quantity or omit the chillies entirely.
-
Roasting Amaranth: Be sure to roast the amaranth seeds on low heat, as they can burn quickly. The crackling sound is an indicator that they are ready.
-
Oil Brushing: Brushing the croquettes with oil before baking helps achieve a crispier texture, so don’t skip this step.
These Healthy Amaranth Potato Thyme Croquettes are a great way to enjoy a nutritious snack without compromising on flavor. The combination of amaranth, potatoes, and thyme creates a balance of textures and savory tastes, making these croquettes a treat that everyone will love. Serve them for your next tea party, as an afternoon snack, or pack them into lunch boxes for a wholesome option that’s both filling and tasty. Enjoy!
