Bhein Tikki
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory lotus stem patties are a unique North Indian snack. The subtle sweetness of the lotus root combined with aromatic spices makes for an unforgettable appetizer, perfect with a side of mint chutney.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Vegetables
- b.Thoroughly wash and peel the lotus stems. Chop them into 1-inch pieces. Wash the potatoes.
- c.Place the chopped lotus stem and whole potatoes in a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- d.Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat, or until both are very tender (approx. 10-12 minutes).
- e.Once the pressure releases naturally, drain all the water. Allow the vegetables to cool completely to prevent the mixture from becoming sticky.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tikki Mixture
- b.Once cooled, peel the potatoes and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- c.Grate the boiled lotus stem using a box grater or mince it finely. Add it to the mashed potatoes.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste.
- e.Incorporate all the dry spices: coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, amchur powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- f.Finally, add the chopped coriander leaves and besan. Mix everything thoroughly until a firm, uniform dough is formed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Tikkis
- b.Lightly grease your palms with oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- c.Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
- d.Take one portion, roll it into a smooth ball, and then gently flatten it between your palms to form a round patty about 2 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick. Repeat for all portions.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Tikkis
- b.Heat ¼ cup of oil in a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, carefully place 4-5 tikkis in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they turn a deep golden brown and become crisp.
- e.Remove the cooked tikkis with a slotted spatula and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- f.Repeat the process with the remaining tikkis, adding more oil if necessary.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Bhein Tikkis immediately while they are hot and crispy, accompanied by mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple yogurt dip.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled vegetables are completely cool and dry before mashing. Any moisture will make the tikkis difficult to shape and less crispy.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy, oil-logged tikkis.
- 3For an extra crispy coating, you can dredge the shaped patties in a thin layer of rice flour or semolina (rava) before frying.
- 4To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of the mixture into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is at the right temperature.
- 5You can prepare and shape the tikkis ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before you plan to serve.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or mashed boiled chickpeas to the mixture for a protein boost.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace the besan (gram flour) with an equal amount of rice flour or cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder for an extra kick of heat.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
To reduce oil, cook the tikkis in an air fryer. Preheat to 180°C (350°F), brush the tikkis with a little oil, and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Lotus stem is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for maintaining digestive health, preventing constipation, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Essential Nutrients
This unique vegetable provides vital minerals like potassium, iron, and copper, along with Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, which support immune function and overall well-being.
Supports Heart Health
The potassium in lotus stem acts as a vasodilator, helping to regulate blood pressure. Its fiber content also helps in managing cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of 3 Bhein Tikkis contains approximately 205-230 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying. This makes it a moderately light appetizer.