Authentic Indian Tikki: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
1/4 cup green peas, boiled
1/4 cup chopped carrots, boiled
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
2 green chillies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon chaat masala
1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt to taste
Oil for shallow frying

Steps and instructions

Take a large bowl and add the mashed potatoes, boiled green peas, and boiled chopped carrots.
Add the finely chopped onions, green chillies, and grated ginger to the bowl.
Then, add the cumin seeds, chaat masala, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt to taste.
Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Now, take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round, flat tikki. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used.
Spread the breadcrumbs on a flat surface and coat each tikki with the breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan for shallow frying. Once the oil is hot, place the tikkis in the pan and cook until they become golden brown on both sides.
Once done, remove the tikkis from the pan and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Finally, garnish the tikkis with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with a side of chutney or ketchup.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and combine the ingredients.
Potato Masher - To mash the boiled potatoes into a smooth consistency.
Knife - To chop the onions, green chillies, and carrots.
Grater - To grate the ginger.
Frying Pan - To shallow fry the tikkis.
Spatula - To flip and remove the tikkis from the pan.
Flat Surface - To spread the breadcrumbs for coating the tikkis.
Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the tikkis.

Recipe variations

Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for a crispy crust.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.
Add grated cheese to the tikki mixture for a cheesy twist.
Experiment with different spices like turmeric, paprika, or curry powder for added flavor.
Include finely chopped bell peppers or corn kernels for additional texture and taste.
Make it gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs.
For a vegan option, replace the mashed potatoes with mashed chickpeas or tofu.
Add chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the tikki mixture for a crunchy element.
Try shallow frying the tikkis in coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor.
Include fresh herbs like mint or cilantro in the tikki mixture for an aromatic twist.

Recipe overview

Tikki is a delightful, crispy snack that is popular in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in North India. This recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious tikkis at home. You will be combining a variety of tasty ingredients, including potatoes, green peas, and an array of spices, to create a savory treat. The Tikki is then coated in breadcrumbs for that extra crunch and pan-fried until golden brown. The final product is a crispy, flavorful snack that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of tangy chutney or ketchup. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, and the result is a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. So let's get started!

Common questions

Can I use different vegetables in the tikki? Yes, you can customize the vegetable combination according to your preference. You can use vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or grated carrots in addition to or instead of the green peas and carrots.
Can I skip adding breadcrumbs? Breadcrumbs help bind the tikki mixture together and give a crispy texture. However, if you prefer a softer texture or want to make the tikkis gluten-free, you can skip adding breadcrumbs. In that case, you may need to handle the tikkis more carefully while frying.
Can I deep fry the tikkis instead of shallow frying? Yes, you can deep fry the tikkis if you prefer. Make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure that the tikkis cook evenly and become crispy.
Can I make the tikkis ahead of time and reheat them? Although freshly cooked tikkis taste the best, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them when needed. To reheat, place the tikkis in a preheated oven or toaster oven until they are warmed through and crispy again.
What can I serve with the tikkis? Tikki can be served as an appetizer or as a snack. They pair well with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. You can also serve them with a side of salad or as a filling in a burger or sandwich.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Spatula - A utensil for mixing and shaping the tikkis.
Pan - A frying pan for shallow frying the tikkis.
Paper Towels - To drain excess oil from the tikkis after frying.
Chopping Board - For chopping the vegetables.
Knife - For chopping the vegetables and grating ginger.
Grater - For grating ginger.
Flat Surface - For coating the tikkis with breadcrumbs.

Origin stories

Tikki, a popular Indian snack, harks back to the times of the first Mughal emperor, Babur. It carries with it a little bit of history and culture in each bite. The story goes that Babur, who found it difficult to chew hard meat due to his sensitive teeth, ordered his royal chefs to create a soft version of the meat dish. The chefs innovatively minced the meat, added a handful of spices, and deep-fried it. Thus, the earliest version of the tikki was born. Over time, with the influence of Hindu vegetarian culture, the meat was replaced by mashed vegetables, predominantly potatoes contributing towards what we know as Tikki today. So, every time you savor a tikki, remember that you are tasting a slice of the grand Mughal kitchens!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.