Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas (Aloo Matar Tikki)

One of the most enjoyable aspects of ordering take out or dining in Indian restaurants is the savory appetizers that begin the meal. Samosa, pakoras and bhajis are among my favorites. Because these little delights are somewhat time consuming, I don't often find the time to make them at home, but I assure you, it's well worth the effort, and for the most part, such savories are not difficult to prepare and serve up. There is nothing like reproducing some of India's finest offerings in your own kitchen.

These mashed potato patties were prepared to accompany an essentially Indian themed meal. A popular snack or introduction to the main course, these little savories are also a fine accompaniment to a meal. Soft on the inside, with a spicy pea filling and a delightfully golden crust to complete the experience, stopping at just one is a challenge indeed. I served them up with urad dal tomato soup and some classic corn bread. As a condiment for the tikka, I made some fresh coriander chutney.

I adapted this recipe from Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking by Yamuna Devi. I've talked about this prized book on numerous occasions here on my space. I've gifted it, recommended it to family and friends and readers, and never has anyone known to me who has encountered this bible of Indian vegetarian cooking been anything but delighted. I've been learning and cooking from this book for over 20 years and it continues to claim a prized space amongst my massive collection. It's the next best thing to being taught one-on-one by a master of Indian cuisine.

Notes: You many have more filling than is need to fill all of the rounds. Store any remaining in the refrigerator and use as a condiment or just enjoy it by spoonfuls.

Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas (Aloo Matar Tikki)

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking Cuisine: Indian Published on September 16, 2014 Soft mashed potato patties stuffed with spiced green peas and fried until golden brown Print this recipe Ingredients: 3 large potatoes 2/3 cup fresh or frozen peas 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped 1 to 2 green or red chilies, seeded and finely chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon asafetida 1/4 teaspoon garam masala 1/4 teaspoon chat masala 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper sesame oil for frying (optional) Instructions: Preheat an oven to 425°. Scrub the potatoes and poke a few times with a fork. Bake until they are just fork tender — about 45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, boil the peas in water for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and transfer to a small bowl. Add the ginger, chilies, cumin, asafetida, garam masala, chat masala, paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mash to a coarse meal and set aside. When the potatoes have cooled, peel and transfer to a large bowl. Mash well. Add the remaining teaspoon of salt and season with black pepper. Stir well to combine. Knead the potato mixture until smooth and divide into 8 to 10 portions. Rub your hands with a bit of oil and roll each portion into a small ball and flatten into a small patty about 1/2-inch thick. Spoon a teaspoon of the pea mixture into the center of each potato round and gently fold the edges together. Flatten into a 2 1/2-inch patty. Repeat until each round is filled. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium-low heat. When hot, add some of the patties to the pan, taking care not to crowd them (I did them in two batches). Fry for 15 minutes per side or until a golden crust forms. The patties can also be baked instead of fried. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat an oven to 350°. Place the patties on the baking sheet, brush with a little oil, and bake for 15 minutes. Brush with a bit more oil, gently flip, and bake for another 15 minutes. Serve hot out of the pan or oven with chutney. Makes 8 to 10 tikkas

Other little savory bites you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Baked Chickpea Kofta
Vegetarian Samosa Cakes with Tamarind Chutney
Chickpea Patties Smothered in Vegetable Gravy
Baked Quinoa Falafel

On the top of the reading stack: stories by Franz Kafka

Audio Accompaniment: Biosphere