Karari Aloo Tikki

Delicious, mildly spiced, Karari Aloo Tikki (potato patties) is an amazing appetizer/snack to serve with all kinds of Indian meals. These tikkis are punchy and flavourful which makes it excellent to use as a base in chaats.

A poem by Ann Weems that I found in a Christian prayer book a long long time ago…..

I celebrate children
who laugh out loud
who walk in the mud and dawdle in the puddles
who put chocolate fingers anywhere
who like to be tickled
who scribbled in church
who whisper in loud voices
who run – and laugh when they fall
who cry at the top of their lungs
who cover themselves with Band aids
who squeeze the toothpaste all over the bathroom
who slurp their soup
who chew cough drops
who ask questions
who give us sticky, paste covered creations
who want their pictures taken
who don’t use their napkins
who bury their goldfish, sleep with the dog, scream at their best friends
who hug us in a hurry and rush outside without their hats
I celebrate children who are so busy living, they don’t have time for our hang-ups,
And I celebrate adults who are as little children.

Today’s dish, Karari aloo tikki (mashed potato patties spiced with cumin, asafetida, ginger and chat masala) is a celebrated and much loved Indian starter, especially in the northern regions of the country.

The term ‘karari’ refers to the little town of Karari in Uttar Pradesh where this particular type of aloo tikki is popular. There is no onion or garlic in this recipe which makes it perfect for those who want to abstain from using the same.

As I mentioned earlier, karari aloo tikki is simple and easy to prepare, can be made in batches and frozen for future use which makes it perfect for parties and events. The level of heat can be adjusted by adjusting the number of green chillies.

Serve with this delicious Mint Coriander Chutney

Print Recipe

Karari Aloo Tikki

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Author: Dhanya Samuel

Ingredients

• Potatoes – 400gm boiled and mashed
• Cumin seeds – 2 tsp
• Ginger – 2 tsp chopped
• Green chillies – 4 finely chopped (reduce quantity for less heat)
• Hing/asafetida – a pinch
• Cumin powder – ½ tsp
• Chat masala – 2 tsp
• Salt – to season
• Coriander leaves – 20gm finely chopped
• Corn flour – 100 gm
• Vegetable oil – to shallow fry the patties
• Mint coriander chutney – to garnish
• Chilli jam – to garnish

Instructions

• Boil the potatoes and mash lightly.
• Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan and lightly roast cumin seeds, ginger, chillies and asafetida. Make sure it is done on low heat or the spices will turn bitter.
• Take off the heat and add cumin powder and chat masala.
• Combine this with the mashed potatoes, season with salt and add coriander leaves; mix well to combine evenly.
• Shape the mixture into patties and lightly coat on both sides with cornflour.
• Shallow fry in vegetable oil till golden brown.
• Serve with mint coriander chutney and chilli jam.