Aloo tikki is another popular type of north Indian “chaat” snack made out of boiled potatoes, peas, and curry spices. From its name, “aloo” means potato while “tikki” means cutlet, so we can conclude that the name “aloo tikki” means “potato cutlet.”
They are served warm with dahi yoghurt, mint sauce and tamarind sauce as its condiments. What are the health benefits of aloo tikki?
What are its Health Benefits?
- Potatoes are Dense in Nutrients
First things first, potatoes are dense in nutrients, such as calories at 161 kcal, carbohydrates at 36.6 grams, vitamin C benefits, vitamin B6 and benefits of potassium at 28%, 27% and 26% respectively.
- Benefits of Sweet Potatoes are Antioxidants
Antioxidants can also be found in potatoes, which help to defend the body from serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes symptoms as well as cardiovascular diseases. However, more human researches are still needed to provide more credible evidences.
- Potatoes May Improve Blood Sugar Control
Potatoes may improve blood sugar control because they contain resistant starch. Resistant starch is what helps in reducing insulin resistance.
- Potatoes May be Good for Digestion
Potatoes are good for digestion because they are a source of nutrition for the gut’s beneficial bacteria. It is converted into short-chain fatty acid butyrate that protects the colon from inflammation as well as cancer.
- Potatoes are Gluten Free
Naturally, potatoes are gluten free food items, which makes it ideal for patients of celiac disease and also non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
- Potatoes are Filling
Studies have shown that potatoes are the most filling food items, because it contains a type of protein that curbs hunger.
- Chaat Masala is a Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Since chaat masala is a mixture of various spices, it also has vitamins and minerals from the spices it is made of such as calcium, iron and benefits of magnesium.
- Cumin for Weight Loss
Consuming cumin regularly may help one to achieve weight loss, specifically in waist size, body weight and body weight. Apart from that, cumin also helps one to decrease their insulin levels.
- Coriander Promotes Good Cholesterol
Coriander promotes good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) by exchanging the amount of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) in favour of HDL cholesterol.
- Chilli is a Source of Capsaicin
And finally, chilli is a well-known source of vitamin C as well as capsaicin. Capsaicin is what makes chilli to be hot and spicy, and is also beneficial for those who are on a diet since they burn fat and holds appetite.
How to Cook Aloo Tikki
Ingredients
- 300 g of potatoes
- ½ teaspoon of red chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon of coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon of cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon of dried ginger powder
- ¼ teaspoon of chaat masala powder
- 5-2 tablespoons of corn starch
- 2-3 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
- Some salt as needed
Steps
- First, rinse then either steam or pressure cook the potatoes until they are well done and fall apart.
- Grate the potatoes and let them cool down completely.
- Add the spices, salt, corn starch and coriander leaves. Mix them well.
- Divide the mixture into patties. You can also grease your palms with oil while forming the patties.
- Heat oil until it is medium hot in a shallow pan, gently place the tikkis (patties) and fry them.
- Fry them until it gets golden brown and crisp at both edges.
- Once done, drain the excess oils from the tikkis using paper towels.
- Aloo tikki is now ready to be served! It is best consumed with coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or even yoghurt to start with!