Nutritional Powerhouse Duo
Evening hunger pangs often lead us to less healthy fried options. However, this recipe offers a delightful alternative: High-Protein Masoor Dal Paneer
Tikkis. These are crafted from the goodness of masoor dal, also known as red lentils, and paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, creating a snack that is both flavourful and incredibly satisfying. They are designed to be light on the digestive system while being dense in essential nutrients, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking to maintain a healthier eating pattern without compromising on taste. Enjoy these tikkis with a vibrant green chutney or a cooling yoghurt dip for a truly wholesome experience that nourishes your body and delights your palate. This snack is particularly beneficial for those mindful of their weight, offering a filling and nutritious choice that curbs unnecessary snacking.
Why These Tikkis Shine
The unique appeal of these tikkis lies in their remarkable protein content and comprehensively balanced nutritional profile. Both masoor dal and paneer are excellent sources of high-quality protein, which is crucial for repairing body tissues, building and maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall physiological functions. Furthermore, the protein content contributes to prolonged feelings of fullness, effectively reducing the urge for untimely or unhealthy snacking and thereby aiding in weight management efforts. Masoor dal itself is abundant in dietary fibre, iron, and various vital vitamins, all of which play a significant role in promoting smooth digestion and enhancing energy levels throughout the day. Complementing this, paneer provides substantial protein and calcium, essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. To further elevate the health quotient, you can easily incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, capsicum, spinach, or peas into the mixture. These additions significantly increase the fibre, vitamin, and mineral density, transforming the snack into a mini-meal in itself. The synergistic effect of protein and fibre makes these tikkis exceptionally suitable for individuals actively pursuing balanced weight management strategies.
Crafting Your Tikkis
To begin creating these wholesome tikkis, start by soaking 1 cup of masoor dal for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Once soaked, drain the water and grind the dal to a coarse consistency; aim for a slightly grainy texture rather than a smooth paste, as this aids in binding and contributes to a pleasant crunch. Transfer this ground dal to a mixing bowl. Next, introduce 1 cup of grated paneer to the bowl. Add finely chopped ingredients, including 1 small onion, 1 green chilli, 1 small grated carrot, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped capsicum or spinach. Mix these components thoroughly with the dal mixture. Now, incorporate the flavour enhancers: 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and salt to your taste. Blend all these spices into the mixture. For binding, add 2 tablespoons of rice flour or besan. The goal is a firm mixture that can be easily shaped into tikkis. Take small portions of this well-combined mixture and shape them into uniform round or oval patties to ensure even cooking. Finally, heat a non-stick pan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Carefully place the shaped tikkis onto the hot pan. Cook them until both sides achieve a beautiful golden-brown and crisp texture. Gentle flipping is recommended. This method of shallow frying keeps the snack light and healthy, preserving its nutritional integrity.
