Dimer Chop
A classic Bengali street food delight! Hard-boiled eggs are enveloped in a savory, spiced potato mash, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown. This beloved snack is best enjoyed hot with a side of tangy kasundi mustard.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil Eggs and Potatoes
- b.Place the eggs and potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to cover them completely.
- c.Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The eggs will be perfectly hard-boiled in this time.
- d.Carefully drain the hot water. Allow the eggs and potatoes to cool down until they are comfortable to handle.
- e.Peel the potatoes and mash them in a large bowl until smooth, with no lumps. Peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Spiced Potato Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- d.Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- f.Add the mashed potatoes and 1 tsp of salt to the pan. Mix thoroughly to combine all the spices with the potatoes.
- g.Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and mix in the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves.
- h.Spread the potato mixture on a plate to cool down completely. This is crucial for easy handling.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Chops
- b.Once the potato mixture is cool, divide it into 8 equal portions.
- c.Lightly grease your palms with a drop of oil. Take one portion of the potato mix and flatten it into a disc on your palm.
- d.Place one egg half, yolk-side down, in the center of the potato disc.
- e.Carefully fold the potato mixture around the egg, sealing it completely. Gently shape it into a smooth, crack-free oval or round shape.
- f.Repeat this process for all 8 egg halves.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Coat the Chops
- b.In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt, and water. Create a smooth, thin, lump-free slurry. It should be the consistency of a thin pancake batter.
- c.Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on a separate plate or tray.
- d.Take one assembled chop and gently dip it into the flour slurry, ensuring it's coated on all sides.
- e.Lift it out, allowing any excess slurry to drip back into the bowl. Immediately transfer it to the plate of breadcrumbs.
- f.Roll the chop in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently, until it is thoroughly coated. Set aside on a clean plate and repeat for all chops.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Deep-Fry to Perfection
- b.Heat the oil for deep-frying in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 175-180°C (350°F). To test, drop a small piece of breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface.
- c.Carefully slide 2-3 coated chops into the hot oil at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them gently halfway through, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy all over.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chops from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Serve the Dimer Chop immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- c.They pair wonderfully with Kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce), tomato ketchup, or a simple salad of sliced onions and cucumbers.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russet, as they mash up fluffier and hold their shape well.
- 2Ensure the potato mixture is completely cool before shaping the chops. A warm mixture will be sticky and difficult to handle.
- 3For an extra crispy crust, double-coat the chops. Dip in slurry, coat in breadcrumbs, then repeat the process once more.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium-high heat while frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn quickly. If it's too cool, the chops will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- 5Make sure the potato covering has no cracks before frying. This prevents them from breaking apart in the hot oil.
- 6You can prepare the chops up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the egg with a filling of paneer, mixed vegetables, or beetroot to make a classic Bengali Vegetable Chop.
Meat FillingMeat Filling
Instead of an egg, use a spoonful of cooked spicy minced meat (keema) in the center to make Keema Chop.
Spice MixSpice Mix
For a more authentic flavor, use Bhaja Moshla (a roasted spice mix of cumin, coriander, and red chilies) instead of plain cumin and garam masala powder.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, providing a steady and sustained release of energy to keep you active.
Rich in Antioxidants
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic used in the filling are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two Dimer Chops, contains approximately 500-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the chops and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
