The festive season is upon us, bringing with it joyous gatherings and a parade of delicious food. If you're looking for a fresh, simple, and slightly healthier snack to impress your guests, look no further than these homemade veggie oats tikkis.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Snack
Tikkis,
or cutlets, are a beloved staple in Indian households, known for their crispy exterior and soft, flavourful interior. While traditionally made with potatoes, this version incorporates the wholesome goodness of vegetables and oats. This swap not only adds a wonderful texture but also brings a host of nutritional benefits. Oats are rich in fibre, which helps in digestion and provides a feeling of fullness, making these tikkis a more satisfying and less heavy option compared to their deep-fried, potato-heavy counterparts. They are the perfect solution for hosts who want to offer something that is both indulgent and mindful, ensuring there's a delicious treat for everyone at the party, including the health-conscious guests.
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have. For a batch that serves 4-6 people, you will need:
- 1 cup rolled oats, dry roasted and coarsely ground
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
- 1.5 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, corn), finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Oil for shallow frying
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Creating these tikkis is a straightforward process. First, lightly dry roast the rolled oats in a pan for 2-3 minutes until they release a nutty aroma. Let them cool and then grind them into a coarse powder. While they cool, you can prepare your vegetables. Steam or boil the mixed vegetables until they are just tender, then drain any excess water completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped vegetables, ground oats, onion, ginger, and green chillies. Add the spices: chaat masala, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly. Add the chopped coriander and a splash of lemon juice for freshness, and combine well. Your tikki mixture is now ready. Let it rest for about 10 minutes; this allows the oats to absorb moisture and bind the mixture together. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round, flat patties.
Cooking for that Perfect Crunch
The key to a great tikki is a golden, crispy crust. For this, shallow frying is the ideal method. Heat a nonstick pan or tawa over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tikkis in the pan, ensuring you don't overcrowd them. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp. If you prefer an even healthier option, these tikkis can also be air fried. Simply preheat your air fryer to $180$°C,
brush the tikkis with a little oil,
and cook for $12–15$ minutes,
flipping them halfway through,
until they are perfectly crisp. The oats in the mixture help create a firm exterior that doesn't fall apart,
giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
To ensure your tikkis are flawless,
make sure your boiled potatoes and vegetables are dry.
Excess moisture can make the mixture sticky and difficult to shape.
If the mixture feels too wet,
add another tablespoon of powdered oats to help bind it.
For an extra layer of flavour,
you can add other spices like cumin powder or garam masala.
These veggie oats tikkis are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving.
The classic way is to serve them hot with a side of mint–coriander chutney and a sweet tamarind chutney.
A simple yogurt dip also pairs beautifully with them.
For a more substantial offering,
you can use these patties to make burgers or stuff them into a wrap with some fresh salad for a quick and easy meal.
They are best served fresh,
but you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it,
frying the tikkis just before your guests arrive.
