If you’re a fan of Indian street food, then aloo tikki chat is a must-try dish for you. Aloo tikki chat is a mouthwatering combination of crispy potato patties served with a tangy and flavorful chickpea curry, topped with an array of delicious toppings. In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making aloo tikki chat at home.
Ingredients:
To make aloo tikki chat, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- A pinch of turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- Mustard oil for frying
- 2 red chilies
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 cups boiled white peas (matar), preferably soaked overnight
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 cup water
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Sev
- 1/2 tsp muri masala
- Black salt
- 1 tbsp Imli water
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- Sweet Imli chutney (recipe in description)
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started.
Step 1: Making Aloo Tikki
To begin, take 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes and mash them in a bowl. Add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until all the spices are evenly incorporated.
Next, take small portions of the potato mixture and shape them into round balls. Press them gently to flatten and form tikkis (patties).
In a pan, heat mustard oil. Mustard oil adds a distinct flavor to Kolkata-style dishes. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the aloo tikkis in the pan and fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Flip them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the tikkis are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Making the Chickpea Curry
Using the same pan, add some more mustard oil. Add red chilies, finely chopped onions, chopped green chilies, and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Mix well and sauté until the onions turn translucent and the tomatoes soften.
Now, add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté until a delightful aroma fills your kitchen. It’s time to add the boiled white peas (matar) to the pan. Make sure to soak the peas overnight and boil them separately before adding them to the curry.
Mix the peas with the onion-tomato mixture and add turmeric powder, salt, red chili powder, and water. Cover the pan with a lid and let the curry simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend and the peas to absorb the spices.
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add another pinch of turmeric powder. Cover the pan again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. You can adjust the consistency of the curry according to your preference by mashing it or keeping it lightly boiled.
Step 3: Assembling the Aloo Tikki Chat
Now that we have both the aloo tikkis and the chickpea curry ready, it’s time to assemble the aloo tikki chat.
Take a plate and break the aloo tikkis into small pieces. Place them on the plate and pour the cooked chickpea curry over the tikis.
To enhance the flavors and add a refreshing touch, add 1 tbsp of Imli water. Sprinkle the plate with chopped coriander leaves, chopped onions, chopped green chilies, sev, muri masala, and a pinch of black salt.
To bind all the flavors together, mix the ingredients well. Make sure to mix it properly as this step is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Once mixed, drizzle 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice over the aloo tikki chat for a tangy kick.
For added garnish, you can also top the chat with more chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, salt, red chili powder, muri masala, sweet Imli chutney, sev, and a squeeze of half a small lemon. Finish it off with a pinch of black salt.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Your homemade aloo tikki chat is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it immediately and savor the explosion of flavors in every bite. The crispy aloo tikkis, the tangy chickpea curry, and the medley of toppings create a delightful culinary experience.
Aloo tikki chat is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a part of a larger meal. It is perfect for gatherings, parties, or even as a quick and fulfilling evening snack.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps outlined above, and treat yourself to a delicious plate of homemade aloo tikki chat. Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy cooking!
