Aloo Tikki Chaat

Aloo tikki chaat is arguably India's most beloved street food — crispy spiced potato cakes smothered in tangy tamarind chutney, cooling mint-coriander chutney, yoghurt, crunchy sev, and pomegranate seeds. Every chaat wallah from Delhi to Lucknow has a proprietary version, but the layered, contrasting experience of textures and flavours is universal.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Aloo Tikki:

• 500g (1 lb) floury potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
• 1 tbsp (15g) cornflour
• 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted
• 1 tsp (3g) chaat masala
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp dried mango powder (amchur)
• Small handful fresh coriander, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 3 tbsp (45ml) vegetable oil, for shallow frying

Toppings:

• 200ml (3/4 cup) plain yoghurt, whisked smooth
• 4 tbsp (60ml) tamarind-date chutney (imli ki chutney)
• 3 tbsp (45ml) green chutney (mint-coriander-chilli)
• 3 tbsp fine sev (crispy chickpea vermicelli)
• 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 small red onion, finely diced

Instructions

1. Mix mashed potatoes with cornflour, cumin seeds, chaat masala, red chilli powder, amchur, coriander, and salt. Knead gently until combined.
2. Divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a round, flat patty about 8cm (3 in) wide and 1.5cm (0.6 in) thick.
3. Heat oil in a flat pan or tawa over medium-high heat. Shallow-fry tikkis in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until deep golden-brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Place two hot tikkis on each plate while still crispy.
5. Layer generously: spoon yoghurt over, drizzle tamarind chutney, then green chutney.
6. Scatter diced onion, pomegranate seeds, and sev on top.
7. Finish with a dusting of chaat masala and red chilli powder.
8. Serve immediately — the contrast between the hot tikki and cold toppings is essential.

Cook's Notes: The mashed potato must be completely dry; any excess moisture will cause the tikkis to break apart during frying. Let mash cool fully before mixing. Chaat is an assembly dish — prepare all toppings in advance so final assembly takes under 2 minutes.