Matar Tikki
Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, these green pea patties are a delightful North Indian snack. Made with fresh peas, potatoes, and aromatic spices, they're perfect with a side of mint chutney.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Vegetables (10 minutes)
- b.Boil, peel, and thoroughly mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Let them cool completely to reduce moisture.
- c.If using fresh peas, boil for 5-7 minutes until tender. If frozen, boil for 2-3 minutes. Drain all water and let them cool.
- d.Coarsely crush the cooled peas using a masher or the back of a spoon. Avoid making a fine paste to maintain texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Tikki Mixture (5 minutes)
- b.To the bowl with mashed potatoes, add the crushed green peas, grated ginger, chopped green chilies, and coriander leaves.
- c.Add all the dry spices: cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, amchur powder, and salt.
- d.Finally, add the breadcrumbs and corn starch. Mix everything with your hands until well combined into a firm, non-sticky dough. Do not over-mix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Tikkis (5 minutes)
- b.Lightly grease your palms with a few drops of oil.
- c.Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
- d.Take one portion, roll it into a smooth ball between your palms, and then gently flatten it to form a round patty about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- e.Place the shaped tikkis on a plate. You can refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up, which prevents breaking during frying.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Tikkis (20 minutes)
- b.Heat oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.
- c.To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of the mixture into it; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- d.Carefully place 4-5 tikkis in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
- e.Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
- f.Gently flip the tikkis and fry the other side for another 3-4 minutes until equally crisp and golden.
- g.Remove the cooked tikkis with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- h.Repeat the process for the remaining tikkis.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Matar Tikki hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled potatoes and peas are completely dry and cool before mixing. Excess moisture is the primary reason tikkis break while frying.
- 2For a firmer binding, you can use 1/4 cup of roasted chickpea flour (besan) or powdered flattened rice (poha) instead of breadcrumbs.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil's temperature and can result in soggy, oily tikkis.
- 4For an extra crispy coating, you can lightly dredge the shaped tikkis in rice flour or fine semolina (rava) before frying.
- 5The tikki mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before you plan to serve for the best taste and texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Stuffed Tikki
Create a small cavity in the center of each patty and fill it with a mixture of crumbled paneer, chopped cashews, and raisins before sealing and frying.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
For a lower-oil version, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Brush the tikkis lightly with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace breadcrumbs with an equal amount of powdered poha (flattened rice) or ground oats to make the recipe gluten-free.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon of chaat masala to the mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Green peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
Both peas and potatoes contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Essential Vitamins
This dish contains various vitamins from its ingredients, including Vitamin K and Vitamin C from peas and coriander, which support bone health and immunity.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from potatoes provide a quick and sustained source of energy, making this a great snack to combat midday slumps.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Matar Tikki (3 pieces) contains approximately 185-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.