Aloo Pitika Bor
Crispy, golden fritters with a soft, flavorful mashed potato filling. This Assamese specialty, spiced with pungent mustard oil and green chilies, is a perfect tea-time snack.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Potato Filling (Aloo Pitika)
- Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Peel the skin off while they are still warm and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the potatoes thoroughly using a potato masher or a fork, ensuring there are no large lumps for a smooth filling.
- Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, 1 tbsp mustard oil, chopped coriander leaves, and 0.75 tsp of salt to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The pungent aroma of the raw mustard oil is characteristic of this dish.
- Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then gently flatten it into a small patty (tikki). Set aside.
Make the Batter
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the besan (gram flour), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- Whisk the dry ingredients to mix them evenly.
- Gradually pour in the water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, thick, and lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to that of a thick pancake batter, able to coat the back of a spoon.
Fry the Aloo Pitika Bor
- Heat the vegetable oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is at the right temperature, drop a small speck of batter into it; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately without changing color too quickly.
- Gently take one potato patty and dip it into the besan batter, ensuring it is completely and evenly coated.
- Carefully slide the batter-coated patty into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 4-5 at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve
- Serve the Aloo Pitika Bor immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- They pair wonderfully with mint-coriander chutney, tomato ketchup, or a hot cup of Assamese tea.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not substitute the raw mustard oil in the filling; its pungent taste is key to the dish.
- 2Adding rice flour to the besan batter is the secret to achieving an extra crispy and crunchy coating.
- 3Ensure your batter is not too thin, or it won't coat the potato patties properly. It should be thick enough to cling to a spoon.
- 4Fry the fritters on a consistent medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it's too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- 5Mash the potatoes while they are still warm for a smoother, lump-free texture.
- 6Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This maintains the oil temperature and ensures each fritter cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate 1/4 cup of boiled green peas or finely grated carrots into the potato mixture for added texture and nutrition.
Spice up the BatterSpice up the Batter
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) to the besan batter for a distinct flavor and to aid digestion.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped mint leaves along with the coriander in the potato filling for a refreshing flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Energy
Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy to the body, making this a filling and satisfying snack.
Plant-Based Protein
The batter is made from Besan (chickpea flour), which is a good source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Contains Beneficial Spices
Spices like turmeric contain curcumin, a compound known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Rich in Phytonutrients
Onions, coriander, and green chilies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Aloo Pitika Bor (approximately 4 pieces) contains around 390-420 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the potatoes and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.