Horse Gram Tikki Recipe: A Healthy Fusion Snack
Horse Gram Tikki is a delightful fusion of traditional Aloo Tikki and the nutritious horse gram (Kollu/Kulith). Unlike the regular aloo tikki, this version incorporates horse gram, a legume known for its high protein and iron content, making it a healthier alternative. These crispy, golden tikkis are not only satisfying but also make for an ideal evening snack, a quick after-school bite for kids, or a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Paired with some refreshing chutney and a cup of tea, it becomes an irresistible treat.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Tikki:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Horse Gram Dal (Kollu/Kulith) | 3/4 cup |
| Potato (Aloo) | 3, boiled and mashed |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon, paste |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
For the Masala Powder:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilies | 3, whole |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | To taste |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | 2 teaspoons, chopped |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/4 teaspoon |
For Coating:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 5 tablespoons |
| Oil | For shallow frying |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Horse Gram
- Clean and Wash the Horse Gram: Start by cleaning and washing the horse gram thoroughly.
- Soak: Soak the washed horse gram in water for about 1 hour.
- Cook: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked horse gram with about 1 1/2 cups of water. Cook for 6 whistles on medium heat.
- Drain and Cool: Once done, open the cooker and strain the water from the horse gram. Allow it to cool completely.
- Grind: Once cooled, grind the horse gram into a smooth paste with minimal water (or no water at all). Add garlic cloves and amchur powder while grinding.
Step 2: Making the Masala Powder
- Dry Roast Spices: In a pan, dry roast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and red chilies on medium heat until they release a fragrant aroma.
- Grind the Spices: After cooling, grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mixer.
Step 3: Cooking the Mixture
- Heat the Pan: Place a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Add Cumin Seeds: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let them brown slightly.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add Ginger Paste: Stir in the ginger paste and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell fades.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add Masala Powder: Now, add the freshly ground masala powder to the pan and cook until it blends well with the onions and tomatoes.
- Combine Horse Gram Paste & Potato Mash: Add the prepared horse gram paste and mashed potatoes to the pan. Stir everything thoroughly and let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Season: Add black salt and amchur powder to taste. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 4: Shaping the Tikkis
- Cool the Mixture: Allow the horse gram and potato mixture to cool slightly.
- Shape the Tikkis: Once cool enough to handle, take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into a round, flat tikki (patty).
- Coat with Gram Flour: Roll each tikki in gram flour (besan) to coat it lightly.
Step 5: Frying the Tikkis
- Heat Oil: In a shallow pan, add enough oil to coat the bottom and heat it on medium flame.
- Fry the Tikkis: Place the tikkis in the hot oil, one by one. Fry for 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using a spatula.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once done, place the tikkis on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serving
- Serve Hot: Serve these crispy Horse Gram Tikkis with your favorite chutney like Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (Coriander Mint Chutney) or Imli Chutney (Tamarind Chutney) for the perfect snack.
- Pair with Tea: For an added treat, pair these tikkis with a warm cup of Ginger Cardamom Chai.
Tips for Perfect Tikkis:
- Ensure that the horse gram is thoroughly cooked and ground into a smooth paste to avoid any graininess in the tikkis.
- You can adjust the spice levels according to your taste by adding more or less red chili.
- For a more crispy texture, you can coat the tikkis with breadcrumbs before frying.
These Horse Gram Tikkis are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. Try them out for your next evening snack or as a party appetizer, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
