Navratri 2024: Perfect Recipe For Fasting - Samak Aloo Tikki

Samak rice (also known as barnyard millet) is a commonly used ingredient during Navratri fasts as it is light, gluten-free, and a great alternative to rice. Pairing it with aloo (potato) gives the dish a delightful texture and taste, making it a perfect snack to satisfy your hunger during the fasting period. These tikkis are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with nutrition.

Ingredients of Samak Aloo Tikki

1 cup Samak rice (barnyard millet)
3 medium-sized boiled potatoes (aloo)
1-2 finely chopped green chilies
1 tsp rock salt (sendha namak) – as per fasting rules
1 tsp black pepper powder
1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds (optional)
Ghee or oil for shallow frying

How to Make Samak Aloo Tikki

To prepare Samak Aloo Tikki for Navratri fasting, begin by washing 1 cup of samak rice (barnyard millet) thoroughly and soaking it for about 30 minutes. Drain the water and cook the rice in a pan with 1.5 cups of water until it becomes soft and fully cooked. Once done, allow it to cool completely. While the rice is cooling, peel and mash 3 medium-sized boiled potatoes in a large bowl. To this, add the cooled samak rice along with finely chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder, rock salt (sendha namak), and cumin seeds (optional). Mix all the ingredients together until a dough-like consistency forms.

Next, take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into flat, round patties (tikkis). Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. Heat some ghee or oil in a pan for shallow frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tikkis in the pan and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy on one side. Flip them over and cook the other side until equally crisp and golden. Once done, remove the tikkis from the pan and serve them hot with curd or a fasting-friendly coriander chutney. These Samak Aloo Tikkis are a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying option for your Navratri fast, offering the perfect balance of taste and energy during the festive days.