Healthy Horse Gram Tikki Recipe | Crispy & Nutritious Indian 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:

For the Masala Powder:

For Coating:

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

1. Clean and Wash the Horse Gram: Start by cleaning and washing the horse gram thoroughly.
2. Soak: Soak the washed horse gram in water for about 1 hour.
3. 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.
4. Drain and Cool: Once done, open the cooker and strain the water from the horse gram. Allow it to cool completely.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. Grind the Spices: After cooling, grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mixer.

Step 3: Cooking the Mixture

1. Heat the Pan: Place a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
2. Add Cumin Seeds: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let them brown slightly.
3. Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add Ginger Paste: Stir in the ginger paste and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell fades.
5. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
6. Add Masala Powder: Now, add the freshly ground masala powder to the pan and cook until it blends well with the onions and tomatoes.
7. 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.
8. 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

1. Cool the Mixture: Allow the horse gram and potato mixture to cool slightly.
2. Shape the Tikkis: Once cool enough to handle, take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into a round, flat tikki (patty).
3. Coat with Gram Flour: Roll each tikki in gram flour (besan) to coat it lightly.

Step 5: Frying the Tikkis

1. Heat Oil: In a shallow pan, add enough oil to coat the bottom and heat it on medium flame.
2. 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.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Once done, place the tikkis on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Serving

1. 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.
2. 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!