Beetroot Tikki
Every now and then things get so hectic at my day job that it leaves very little time for the blog. This unfortunately was one such week. But hey if you really love to do something then you find time for it no matter what. That is precisely why my twisted mind came up with these beetroot tikkis when I saw my wife making aloo (potato) tikkis one fine evening. These tikkis definitely pack a healthy and flavorful punch where the sweetness of the beets is balanced out with just a hint of spice.
I have been involved in cancer research for the last 10 years and my current job is no different. There are a lot of crests and troughs involved in this line of work. There are times when you are sitting on a computer for days and at other times you are doing a month long project which needs you to be on your feet seven days a week. The project I have started is one such thing, which needs me to work on weekends too.
I am not complaining so don’t get me wrong. There is nothing in this world that would make me change what I am doing. But the fact is it doesn’t leave me enough time to do my other set of experiments i.e. work on recipes in my kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have that one EUREKA moment and come up with a recipe!!!
On Saturday evening when I came back from work around 4 hungry as hell my wife wanted to make potato tikkis since they are quick and easy to make. All you have to do is just mash the potatoes, add a few spices and pan-fry them. I almost agreed with that suggestion when I remembered that we had gotten beets just a few days ago and decided to replace the potatoes with the beets instead.
This recipe is actually made up of a few of wifey dear’s favorite ingredients. How I wish I could come up with recipes like these. Maybe this might be my secret to a happy married life. (CHUCKLES). On second thought that might be a bad idea since she likes a couple of things I absolutely hate.
First and foremost is the star of the recipe “BEETROOT”. Peel, trim it and then grate the beetroot on a grater.
The next thing she loves is the humble peanut. So I added some crushed peanuts to give the tikkis a unique nutty taste.
Now it was time to spice my dish. So in went all the dry masala powders; turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, dry mango powder and mix well.
Whisk egg in a small bowl, pour it into the above mixture. Mix all evenly, If it is too sticky add some more peanut powder. Divide the mixture into equal portions and roll them in desired shape.
Heat oil on a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties till they are crisp and brown on both the sides. Remove on absorbent paper and serve with your choice of chutney or ketchup.
I whipped up a quick cilantro chutney to dip these tikkis into and the combo turned out to be mouthwateringly delicious.
Here’s a quick tip: Just put these tikkis into a burger with some lettuce, tomatoes and onions and you may actually get your kids to eat their veggies!!!
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Beetroot Tikki
Ingredients
- 4 Beetroot
- 1 cup Roasted Peanut Powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Power
- ¾ tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Dry Mango Powder
- 1 Egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel, trim the beetroot and then grate it.
- Place the grated beetroot in a bowl. Add roasted peanut powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, dry mango powder and mix well.
- Whisk egg in a small bowl, pour it into the above mixture.
- Mix all evenly, If it is too sticky add some more peanut powder.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and roll them in desired shape.
- Heat oil on a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties till they are crisp and brown on both the sides.
- Remove on absorbent paper and serve with your choice of chutney or ketchup.
I adore beetroot and love this combination of beets and peanuts and spices! Rahul – these tikki sound so amazingly tasty! And where did y’all find dry mango powder?
I couldn’t agree more though, when we value things, we will always find time for them – glad you found time to post these!
Thanks Shashi.. My wife absolutely loves beet so it’s become my new favorite ingredient.. 🙂 And I have to admit sometimes using wifey dear’s favorite things can lead to some tasty dishes.. 🙂 As for the dry mango powder then it is readily available in the Indian stores here in the US.
I know what you mean about work getting crazy busy! This week has been totally time consuming….glad you found a delicious and quick meal to satisfy your hunger.
Thanks Kathy.. After a crazy workday nothing makes you feel better than a hearty meal..
How interesting and unique!
Thanks Jeff..
Love beetroot like anything, and these tikkis look absolutely divine and beautiful. Love how you added eggs and peanuts.
Those peanuts do add a uniqueness to these tikkis anu which surprised even myself. 🙂
How interesting and healthy looking Tikki 🙂
Thanks Muna. It was definitely different.. 🙂
These look great, I usually just roast my beets to throw into salads but I’ll have to try this next time!
I have never roasted beets before sara. Will have to try this sometime…
I love recipes that use beetroot because the color is so dramatic and pretty. These sound fantastic!
Thanks tracy. Beets have become my favorite ingredient too thanks to my wife.. 🙂
Gorgeous color!!! I find out about so many gorgeous ingredients here. 🙂
Thanks Kate. Besides it being healthy the color is the one thing I absolutely love about beets..
I have made beetroot burgers but never tried mixing it with eggs & peanuts! Sounds delicious & such an interesting recipe!!
The peanuts especially seem to give a unique nutty taste which actually works.. 🙂
I love beetroots, whatever you make with them, the color is always gorgeous 🙂 these tikkis sound wonderful
Thanks Manali..
What a clever recipe, Rahul! I love how you shredded the beets here to make them work. They look colorful and delicious. And I’m also intrigued about the idea of beet burgers!
I was myself surprised that they turned out like this. As for the beet burgers than that’s the next thing in my to-do list. Just need to figure out the right toppings.. 🙂
Oh my. I love the colour!
The Old Fat Guy
Thanks David..
Rahul, the color of these beetroot tikki is just gorgeous! Love that the recipe is made of such simple and delicious ingredients. 🙂 This would be absolutely perfect with chutney! 😉
Thanks Demeter. Sometimes the best looking and tasting dishes can be made with the simplest of ingredients.. 🙂
I love beets and this is such a flavorful way to indulge 🙂
My wife thinks the same way Liz. And I have to admit now I do too…
I must try this! They look beautiful!
Thanks Viki…
Color and the patties are tempting me that too at this mid night hour. I love beets and its texturw and color. Patties look so delicious that i need to make them soon to satisfy the cravings
Totally agree with you smitha. The beets have such a vibrant color, are tasty and more importantly healthy too.. Do try it. 🙂
Growing up I hated beets, but now I can’t get enough of them! Preparing these as “burger” option is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing this one!
I wasn’t a big fan of them Tonya but my wife can’t get enough of them.. 🙂 So its become a staple in my life now..
Beetroot is one of my favourites. These patties look scrumptious!
Thanks Angie..