Avarekalu Tikki Recipe
Avarekalu Tikki is a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian snack originating from Karnataka, a state in southern India. This crispy, golden-brown delight is made from Avarekalu (also known as Lilva Beans or Hyacinth Beans), which are rich in calcium and iron, making this dish both tasty and healthy. The combination of these beans with boiled potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices creates a mouthwatering treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a snack for tea time or an appetizer for a festive meal, Avarekalu Tikki is sure to please your taste buds.
Cuisine:
Karnataka
Course:
Appetizer
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients for Avarekalu Tikki:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Avarekalu / Lilva Beans | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled and peeled | 3 (medium-sized) |
| Sweet Potatoes, boiled and peeled | 2 (medium-sized) |
| Ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 (medium-sized) |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina), chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania), chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Oil (for greasing) | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions for Making Avarekalu Tikki:
-
Preparation of Ingredients:
- Begin by boiling the potatoes and sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker until tender. Peel and set them aside to cool.
- In the same pressure cooker, add the Avarekalu (Lilva beans), water, and a pinch of salt. Boil the beans for 3 whistles or until soft. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Mash the Vegetables and Beans:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, and Avarekalu beans.
- Add the grated ginger, finely chopped green chilies, and chopped onion into the bowl.
- Sprinkle in the coriander powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder.
- Add the chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves, and season with salt to taste.
-
Shape the Tikkis:
- Using your hands, mash the mixture gently until the potatoes are coarsely mashed and the ingredients come together. You want the mixture to be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into tikkis.
- Grease your hands lightly with oil and shape the mixture into small tikkis (or round balls the size of a lemon). You can also shape the dough into kebabs or cylindrical forms if you prefer.
-
Pan-Fry the Tikkis:
- Heat a flat pan or tawa over medium heat and add a little oil for greasing.
- Once the pan is hot, place the shaped tikkis in the pan. Let them cook for 10-15 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned and crispy.
- Drizzle a little more oil over the tikkis if you want them extra crispy and golden.
-
Optional: Breadcrumb Coating:
- If you prefer a crunchy outer texture, you can roll the tikkis in breadcrumbs before frying. Additionally, you can skewer the tikkis and grill them for an even crispier finish.
-
Serve:
- Once the tikkis are cooked to perfection, serve them hot with a side of masala chai (spiced tea) and a tangy Mavinakayi Chitranna (mango rice) for an authentic Karnataka-style snack experience.
Tips for the Perfect Avarekalu Tikki:
- For an even more flavorful snack, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the tikki mixture before shaping.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the amount of green chilies or add a dash of chili powder to the mix.
- For a vegan version, you can skip the oil for frying and bake the tikkis in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time.
- These tikkis can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in a pan or oven before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Approximate values)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Potassium | 750 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% of DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% of DV |
| Calcium | 3% of DV |
| Iron | 10% of DV |
Avarekalu Tikki is not just a snack; it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of Karnataka. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a simple evening snack, these tikkis are sure to impress your guests and family alike. The perfect balance of spiciness, crunch, and nutrition makes this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Indian appetizers. Enjoy them with your favorite chutney or dip for an unforgettable taste experience!
