Bhein Tikki
A crisp Kashmiri-style lotus stem tikki with a soft center and gentle spice. These pan-fried patties turn humble bhein into a satisfying snack or side that tastes especially good with chutney and hot tea.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~7 min
Clean and cut the lotus stem.
Wash the lotus stem well to remove any trapped mud from the holes. Peel lightly if the skin is tough, then cut into small pieces for quicker cooking.
TIPRinse each piece under running water after slicing so the inner holes are clean. - boil · ~15 min
Boil the lotus stem until tender.
1.Add the lotus stem and water to a pot.2.Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.3.Cook until the pieces are tender enough to mash lightly with a spoon, about 12-15 minutes.4.Drain well and let the steam dry off the extra moisture.TIPDrain thoroughly so the tikki mixture stays firm and easy to shape. - mix · ~5 min
Make the tikki mixture.
1.Mash the boiled lotus stem coarsely in a bowl.2.Add the mashed potato, onion, green chili, ginger, and coriander leaves.3.Add red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, chickpea flour, and rice flour.4.Mix well into a firm mixture that holds its shape when pressed.TIPKeep the mash slightly coarse for better texture instead of making it completely smooth. - assemble · ~4 min
Shape the tikkis.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each one into a small round patty. Press the edges neatly so they do not crack in the pan.
- fry · ~8 min
Shallow-fry the tikkis.
1.Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat.2.Place the tikkis in the pan without crowding.3.Cook until the bottom is golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.4.Flip gently and cook the other side until crisp and evenly browned, about 3-4 minutes more.TIPUse medium heat so the crust turns crisp before the outside gets too dark. - serve
Serve the bhein tikki hot.
Serve right away while the outside is crisp and the center is soft. They pair well with mint chutney or a simple cup of tea.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1After boiling, let the lotus stem steam-dry in the colander for a few minutes so the mixture does not turn wet.
- 2Mash the bhein coarsely, not into a paste, so the tikki keeps its Kashmiri-style bite and texture.
- 3If the mixture feels loose because of juicy onion, add a little more chickpea flour before shaping.
- 4Press the patties firmly and smooth any cracks; cracked edges tend to break when flipped.
- 5Shallow-fry on medium heat only, so the rice flour has time to form a crisp crust without burning.
- 6Do not move the tikkis too early in the pan; flip only after the first side looks deep golden and releases easily.
- 7You can shape the patties ahead and chill them for 20-30 minutes to help them hold together better while frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Cook the shaped tikkis on a well-greased skillet or in an air fryer with a light oil brush for a lighter version that still gets crisp edges.
no onionNo-onion
Skip the onion for a simpler, cleaner lotus stem flavor and a slightly firmer tikki mixture.
spicierSpicier
Add extra green chili and a touch more red chili powder if you want the mild Kashmiri-style tikki to have a sharper heat.
fasting styleFasting-style
Replace besan with more potato or a vrat-friendly binder and use sendha namak if making it for fasting days.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Fiber-Rich Lotus Stem
Lotus stem adds natural fiber and a satisfying texture, making these tikkis more filling than many plain potato patties.
Plant-Based Protein Support
Chickpea flour contributes plant protein and also helps bind the mixture without needing eggs.
Moderate Frying Method
Because the tikkis are shallow-fried rather than deep-fried, they can be lighter than heavily fried snack versions.
Frequently asked questions
The mixture is usually too wet. Drain and steam-dry the boiled lotus stem well, then add a little more chickpea flour and shape the patties firmly.



