Bhein ji Tikki
Crispy, savory patties made from tender lotus stem and potatoes, spiced with classic Indian herbs. A popular North Indian street food snack, perfect with a side of mint chutney.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Pressure Cook Lotus Stem & Potatoes
- b.Wash, peel, and roughly chop the lotus stem. Place it in a pressure cooker along with the whole potatoes and 1 cup of water.
- c.Pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or until both are tender (approx. 10-12 minutes).
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Mixture Base
- b.Once cooked, carefully release the pressure. Drain the water completely using a colander. It's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible.
- c.Let the lotus stem and potatoes cool down to room temperature.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mash and Combine
- b.Peel the boiled potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooled potatoes and lotus stem.
- c.You can use a potato masher for a smoother texture or mash lightly for a chunkier tikki.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Aromatics and Spices
- b.To the mashed mixture, add the finely chopped onion, grated ginger, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
- c.Then, add all the dry spices: besan, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, amchur powder, garam masala, and salt.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Form the Tikkis
- b.Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, forming a firm, dough-like mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, add another tablespoon of besan.
- c.Lightly grease your palms with oil, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, and shape each into a round, flat patty (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Shallow Fry
- b.Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place 4-5 tikkis in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
- c.Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Serve
- b.Remove the cooked tikkis with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- c.Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or a side of yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drying the boiled ingredients is key. After draining, you can even pat the lotus stem and potatoes dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy tikkis.
- 2For a crunchier texture, you can coat the tikkis in a thin layer of rice flour or semolina (rava) before frying.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy, oil-soaked tikkis. Fry in batches.
- 4The tikkis can be shaped ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
- 5Adjust the green chillies and red chilli powder to suit your preferred spice level.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-calorie option, brush the tikkis with a little oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also cook them in an air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 12-15 minutes.
Added VeggiesAdded Veggies
Enhance the nutritional value by adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the mixture before shaping the tikkis.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
The recipe uses besan (gram flour), which is naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check that your spices, especially asafoetida (if used), are certified gluten-free.
Cheesy TwistCheesy Twist
For a kid-friendly version, place a small cube of mozzarella or processed cheese in the center of each tikki before shaping and frying.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Lotus stem is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Minerals
This snack provides essential minerals like potassium from potatoes and lotus stem, which is vital for heart health and blood pressure regulation, as well as iron and copper.
Packed with Vitamin C
Lotus stem is a notable source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Frequently asked questions
Bhein ji Tikki is a traditional savory snack from North Indian cuisine, particularly popular in Sindhi households. 'Bhein' means lotus stem, and 'tikki' refers to a small patty or cutlet. It's made by combining boiled and mashed lotus stem and potatoes with a blend of aromatic spices.