Lemon Aloo Tikki
History of Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian street food snack made with potato, spices, and herbs. The dish has its origins in the Indian subcontinent and is known for its spicy and tangy flavors. Traditionally, it is sold by street vendors and often enjoyed with flavorful chutneys.
The word "Aloo" means potato in Hindi, and "Tikki" implies a small cutlet or croquette. This delightful snack has found its way into homes and restaurants worldwide, cherished for its simplicity and the comfort it brings.
Ingredients
- Potatoes - 4 medium-sized, boiled and mashed
- Green chilis - 2, finely chopped
- Ginger - 1 inch, grated
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Oil - for shallow frying
- Breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. Once boiled, let them cool slightly and then peel and mash them until smooth.
Step 2: Mix Spices and Herbs
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with green chilis, ginger, cumin seeds, lemon juice, coriander leaves, turmeric powder, salt, onion, and garam masala. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
After mixing, taste the mixture and adjust the salt or spices if needed.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Form Tikkis
Divide the mixture into equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to form a patty or tikki shape.
Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate and coat each tikki evenly by pressing lightly onto the crumbs.
Step 5: Fry the Tikkis
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place a few tikkis in the skillet. Fry them until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a cooking timer to ensure even cooking.
Remove the tikkis from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
How to Enjoy Lemon Aloo Tikki
Lemon Aloo Tikki is best enjoyed hot with a variety of chutneys such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even plain yoghurt. You can also serve them as a part of a larger meal or as a snack on their own.
For an authentic experience, pair the tikkis with chai tea or a refreshing lime soda, enhancing the zing from the lemon flavor present in the tikkis.