Dim er Chop
A crispy, golden-brown croquette with a surprise inside! A spicy mashed potato mixture encases a hard-boiled egg, creating the perfect Bengali tea-time snack. It's delicious with a side of kasundi.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Potatoes
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to hard-boil. Drain and place in ice water to cool.
- c.Simultaneously, boil the peeled potatoes in a separate pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
- d.Peel the cooled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Mash the dry potatoes until completely smooth and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Potato Filling
- b.Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- c.Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and roasted cumin powder. Cook for 30 seconds.
- e.Add the mashed potatoes, salt, and sugar (if using). Mix vigorously until all the spices are well incorporated. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the mixture.
- f.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Transfer the mixture to a plate and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Chops
- b.Once the potato mixture is cool, divide it into 8 equal portions.
- c.Lightly oil your palms. Take one portion of the potato mixture and flatten it into a disc.
- d.Place one egg half, yolk-side down, in the center of the disc.
- e.Carefully enclose the egg with the potato mixture, ensuring there are no cracks. Shape it into a smooth, compact oval (like an egg).
- f.Repeat with the remaining potato mixture and egg halves. Place the shaped chops on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Coat the Chops
- b.In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add about 3/4 cup of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thin, lump-free slurry.
- c.Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on a separate flat plate or tray.
- d.Carefully dip one shaped chop into the slurry, coating it completely. Let any excess drip off.
- e.Immediately transfer the slurry-coated chop to the breadcrumbs. Roll it gently until it's evenly and generously coated on all sides. Press lightly to help the crumbs adhere.
- f.Place the coated chop on a clean plate. Repeat for all chops.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry the Chops
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 175-180°C (350°F). If you don't have a thermometer, drop a small piece of breadcrumb in; it should sizzle and turn golden in 30 seconds.
- c.Carefully slide 2-3 chops into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning them gently a couple of times, until they are deep golden brown and uniformly crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the chops from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- f.Repeat the frying process with the remaining chops. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the potato filling is completely cool and relatively dry before shaping. A warm or moist filling will be sticky and may cause the chops to break while frying.
- 2For an exceptionally crispy crust, double-coat the chops. Dip in slurry, coat in breadcrumbs, let it sit for a minute, then repeat the process.
- 3Fry on consistent medium-high heat. Oil that is too hot will burn the outside before the inside is heated, while oil that isn't hot enough will result in greasy chops.
- 4Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed rusk for a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- 5You can prepare and coat the chops ahead of time. Arrange them on a tray without touching and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mangsher Chop (Meat Croquette)
Replace the hard-boiled egg with a filling of spicy cooked minced meat (keema). The potato covering remains the same.
Vegetable ChopVegetable Chop
For a vegetarian version, omit the egg. Add finely chopped and sautéed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beetroot to the potato mixture for a colorful and flavorful filling.
Macher Chop (Fish Croquette)Macher Chop (Fish Croquette)
Use a filling made from cooked, deboned, and flaked fish (like Rohu or Bhetki) mixed with onions and spices, encased in the same potato covering.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The egg at the center is a high-quality protein source, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Provides Energy
Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy, making this a filling and satisfying snack.
Contains Essential Nutrients
This snack offers various nutrients, including Vitamin B12 and Selenium from eggs, and Potassium and Vitamin C from potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
A single Dim er Chop contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on its size and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
