Author Notes: Every cuisine has a cutlet. Be it veal, chicken or lamb – these sublime breadcrumb-ed simple delights are something that will always be adored for their quick preparation and their wholesome homey quality. In Pakistan surprisingly (as it’s such a meaty cuisine usually!) the ‘Aloo Tiki’, or the Spicy Potato cutlet is something that is more versatile than just a crumb fried piece of quick food – not only are these veggie, they can not only be eaten alone, with rice but can be made into a kind of a sandwich which mimics a Pakistani street food snack called ‘Bun Kebab’ – which is exactly what it says, a burger bun, warmed in a little butter, topped with a ground coriander leaf, mint and green chilli added and a tamarind and jaggery one as well, topped with onions, cucumber and tomatoes and eaten in bout 2 minutes flat!
This version is my own where I mix sweet potato and regular potato to create a nutty sweet flavour which is very popular with kids and grown-ups alike! —Sumayya Usmani
Makes: about 6 – 8
Ingredients
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2
large potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
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2 – 3
large Orange flesh sweet potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
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1
tablespoon whole cumin, dry roasted in a pan then crushed in a mortar and pestle
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1/2
cup chopped mint leaves
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3/4
chopped coriander leaves
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1/2
teaspoon tsp red chili powder (optional)
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1/2
lemon, juiced
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Salt to taste
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1
egg, beaten to coat cutlets
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Vegetable oil to fry
Directions
- Combine the two potato mash with all the spices, herbs and lemon juice. Take about 2 tbsp of the spiced mash and form into round balls and then flatten into the shape of a ‘cutlet’.
- Heat a shallow pan on medium heat with a little vegetable oil. Dip the cutlets lightly into the beaten egg to aid in holding them together. Fry on either side till light brown and fragrant.
- Enjoy immediately or can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.