Chana Dal Tikki

A delicious snack to relish in the breakfast, as a tea snack or even as an appetiser. You’ll need soaked chana dal, onion, green chillies, ginger and a couple of spices to make these appetising and delicious tikkis. I have prepared them two ways, one is deep fried and the other one is baked. Though I definitely liked deep-fried over baked.

Tips:

1. Don’t worry about mixture being thin, once you shape the tikki and drop it in hot oil it’ll not break 
2. If you’re baking them then remember to flip after 20 mins. Also baking makes them a little dry as compared to the deep fried ones
3. While grinding the dal don’t add too much water, add as little as possible
4. Remember to serve them with Tzatziki Sauce or Mint-Coriander Chutney.

Also try: Paneer Methi Tikki, Bread Aloo Tikki, Hare Chane ki Tikki, Bean Potato Cutlet, Kale Chane ke Kebab or Semolina Cutlet.

Course: Starters or Snacks

Cuisine: Indian

Time: Preparation – 25 mins, Deep-frying – 15 mins or Baking – 30 mins, Total – 40 or 55 mins.

Servings: makes about 10 medium size tikkis.

Ingredients:

1. Chana Dal – 1/2 cup (soak overnight)
2. Rice Flour – 2 tbsp
3. Onion – 1 large (finely chopped)
4. Green Chilli – 2-3 (finely chopped)
5. Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
6. Ginger – 1/2 inch (finely chopped)
7. Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
8. Garam Masala Powder – 1 tsp
9. Water as needed
10. Oil as needed to deep-fry or bake
11. Salt to taste.

PS: 1 Cup = 250 ML.

How to make Chana Dal Tikki:

1. Thoroughly rinse soaked chana dal and drain the water completely. Add it to a grinding jar along with 1-2 tbsp water and grind it to a smooth paste, add more water if needed. It’s difficult to grind but be cautious not to add too much water
2. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl. Add rice flour, coriander powder, garam masala powder, salt, green chilli, ginger, onion and coriander leaves. Mix well and keep aside for 10 mins
3. Now make desired shape thin tikkis from it, mixture will be sticky but doable
4. To deep fry:
   1. Heat oil in a deep pan or a kadai. Once oil is hot drop the tikki and fry both the sides until brown and crisp. Similarly do the rest
5. To bake:
   1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy cleanup 
   2. Place the tikkis and brush them with a little oil. Bake until crisp and golden, for about 30 mins. Flip after 20 mins and grease the other side as well with a little oil
6. Your Chana Dal Tikkis are ready. Serve with some Tzatziki Sauce or Mint-Coriander Chutney.