Poha Tikki Recipe – Crispy Indian Cutlets with Flattened Rice and Potatoes
Poha Tikki is a delicious and crispy North Indian-style snack made with softened flattened rice (poha), mashed potatoes, herbs, and spices. These tikkis are lightly pan-fried and make for a perfect tea-time snack or party appetizer. With its crispy crust and soft center, this easy-to-make recipe is a household favorite and loved by all age groups.
Ingredients
- 1 cup poha (flattened rice/beaten rice)
- 1 large potato, boiled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 3 slices of bread (white or brown), edges removed
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp mango powder (amchur)
- 1 pinch sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp edible oil (for shallow frying)
Instructions
- Wash poha 1–2 times and soak in water for 3–4 minutes. Drain completely using a sieve.
- Mash the boiled potatoes and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soaked poha, mashed potatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, coriander, and all the spices.
- Moisten the bread slices with a few drops of water, squeeze out excess water, and mash them into the mixture.
- Mix everything well and knead lightly into a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into flat tikkis or round cutlets.
- Heat oil in a pan. Shallow fry the tikkis on medium heat till golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.
Chef’s Tips
- For crunch: Add a few tablespoons of semolina (sooji) or rice flour to the mix for a crispier texture.
- For added flavor: Add chaat masala or garam masala for extra punch.
- Stuffed version: Fill the center with paneer or cheese for a surprise bite.
- Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegan – ensure your bread is dairy-free.