Kala Chana Beetroot Tikkis with Creamy Thecha Dip

For the Tikkis:

• 1 cup black chickpeas (kala chana), soaked overnight

• 1 medium beetroot, peeled

• 1 small potato, peeled (optional)

• 1 green chili, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• ½ tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

• ¼ cup roasted besan (add gradually for binding)

• Ghee or oil, for shallow frying

For the Creamy Thecha Dip:

• 1 tsp ghee or oil

• ¼ cup peanuts

• 10–12 garlic cloves

• 2 green chilies (adjust to spice level)

• 30 g paneer (or tofu for vegan)

• 2–3 tbsp curd (use plant-based if needed)

• A handful of fresh coriander

• Salt to taste

Method

Step 1: Prep & Cook Chickpeas + Veggies

1. Transfer soaked kala chana to a pressure cooker.

2. Place a small steel container with the beetroot and potato in the same cooker.

3. Add water (about 2x the volume of chana) and cook for 12–15 whistles on medium heat until soft.

4. Once cooled, mash the chickpeas, beetroot, and potato in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Thecha Dip

1. In a pan, heat ghee/oil. Add peanuts and roast on low flame until golden.

2. Add garlic and green chilies, sauté for 2 minutes.

3. In a blender, combine peanuts mixture, paneer, curd, coriander, and salt. Blend to a smooth creamy paste.

4. Adjust with extra curd if needed. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Step 3: Season & Shape the Tikkis

1. Add green chili, coriander, salt, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder to the mashed mixture.

2. Add sesame seeds and gradually mix in roasted besan until the dough binds well.

3. Grease hands and shape into round or oval tikkis.

Step 4: Cook the Tikkis

1. Shallow fry on low heat in ghee/oil until both sides are golden-brown.
   (You can also air-fry or bake them at 180°C for 15–20 minutes.)

2. Serve hot with the creamy thecha dip.

Substitutions:

• Potato → Skip or use sweet potato

• Paneer → Use tofu or soaked cashews

• Curd → Swap with plant-based yogurt

Health Benefits:

• High in plant protein and fiber

• Supports hormonal balance and gut health

• Perfect for PCOD, weight loss, or clean eating days