Sindhi Bhee Tikki
Crispy, golden patties made from tender boiled lotus stem mixed with mashed potatoes and a handful of aromatic Sindhi spices. These shallow-fried tikkis have a delicate crunch on the outside and a soft, flavorful interior. A beloved tea-time snack from Sindhi kitchens that pairs wonderfully with mint chutney and a hot cup of chai.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Peel, slice, and boil the lotus stem.
1.Peel the lotus stem and slice into 1-inch pieces.2.Wash thoroughly, transfer to a pressure cooker with water to cover.3.Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until tender.4.Drain the water and let the lotus stem cool completely.TIPTest for tenderness with a knife — it should slide through easily but the pieces should hold their shape. - prep · ~20 min
Boil and mash the potatoes.
1.Boil the potatoes in a separate pot until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).2.Peel while still warm and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth.TIPMash the potatoes while they are still warm — they absorb flavors better and are easier to mix. - mix · ~10 min
Grind the boiled lotus stem and prepare the mixture.
1.Grate the cooled boiled lotus stem or pulse it in a food processor to a coarse texture. Do not make it a paste.2.Transfer to the bowl with the mashed potatoes.3.Add chopped onion, green chili, grated ginger, coriander leaves, and mint.4.Add salt, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, dry mango powder, and black pepper.5.Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix everything well until evenly combined.TIPKeep the lotus stem slightly coarse — this gives the tikkis their signature delicate bite. - prep · ~8 min
Shape the tikkis.
1.Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.2.Shape each portion into a round, flat patty about 2.5 inches wide and 0.5 inch thick.3.Spread the breadcrumbs on a flat plate and gently coat each tikki on both sides.TIPIf the mixture feels sticky, wet your palms slightly with water or oil before shaping. - fry · ~15 min
Shallow-fry the tikkis until golden and crisp.
1.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.2.Place 4 tikkis in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until deep golden brown and crisp.3.Drain on a paper towel. Add the remaining oil and fry the next batch of 4 tikkis the same way.TIPKeep the heat at medium — too high and the breadcrumbs will burn before the inside heats through. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish and serve hot.
Transfer the tikkis to a serving plate, garnish with a pinch of fresh coriander leaves if desired. Serve immediately with mint chutney on the side.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Boil lotus stem until just tender but not mushy; it should hold its shape when grated.
- 2Ensure the potato mash is smooth and lump-free for a cohesive tikki mixture.
- 3Wet your palms with oil or water while shaping tikkis to prevent sticking.
- 4Do not skip the breadcrumbs coating; it creates the signature crisp crust.
- 5Fry over medium heat to achieve deep golden color without burning the coating.
- 6Serve immediately after frying for maximum crunch; reheat in an oven if needed.
- 7Make ahead: shape and coat tikkis, refrigerate upto 6 hours before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Baked/air-fried
To reduce oil, brush or spray shaped tikkis lightly with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 180°C (356°F) for 12-15 minutes.
gluten freeGluten-free
Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed rice flakes (poha) or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
veganVegan
The recipe as given is already vegan if you skip the optional butter or ghee sometimes used in Sindhi cooking; use plant-based oil for frying.
cheesy stuffedCheesy stuffed
Flatten a portion of the mixture, place a small cube of paneer or processed cheese in the center, seal and shape into a patty for a gooey surprise inside.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Lotus stem provides a good amount of fiber that supports healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Complex Carbs
Potatoes and lotus stem together offer sustained energy release, making these tikkis a satisfying snack without a sugar spike.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Spices
Turmeric, ginger, and black pepper have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may support joint health and immunity.
Low in Saturated Fat
Shallow-fried in a small amount of vegetable oil, these tikkis are lower in saturated fat compared to deep-fried snacks.
Provides Vitamin C and Antioxidants
Fresh lemon juice and green chilies add vitamin C, while mint and coriander contribute antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but adjust cooking time: canned lotus stem is already cooked and only needs draining and grating; frozen should be thawed and boiled until tender.
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