Pomegranate seeds/anardana (for tanginess, can substitute lemon juice)¼ tsp
Fresh coriander, chopped (for tikki)a handful
Water (a little, for dough)
1½ tbsp approx
Oil (for shallow frying tikki)as required
Oil (for curry base)1-2 tbsp
Asafoetida (hing)1 pinch
Onion, chopped (for curry)3 medium
Tomatoes, chopped2 medium
Green chili, chopped (for curry)1-2
Turmeric powder (for curry)¼ tsp
Kashmiri red chili powder (for curry)1 tsp
Coriander powder1 tsp
Cumin powder1 tsp
Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)a handful
Steps
1
Combine gram flour, chopped onion, green chili, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, baking powder, baking soda, oil, pomegranate seeds, and coriander; mix well as the salt draws moisture from the onions.
2
Add water a little at a time and knead into a very firm, tight dough, being careful not to add too much water.
3
Take small portions of dough and shape into small round patties (tikki), making about 6 pieces.
4
Heat oil in a shallow pan to about 160°C, then fry the patties over medium-low heat, flipping until golden and crisp on both sides, about 1 minute per side.
5
Remove the fried patties and drain excess oil on a strainer or paper towel.
6
In another pan, heat oil, add asafoetida, then add chopped onions and cook until just turning pink, not fully browned.
7
Add chopped tomatoes and green chili, then salt, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder; cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until moisture releases.
8
Arrange the fried patties on top of the tomato-onion masala without stirring, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 7-8 minutes so the patties absorb steam, soften, and take on the flavors.
9
Open the lid and gently mix the patties with the sauce so each piece is well coated, adjusting salt to taste.
10
Finish with a generous amount of chopped fresh coriander, mix gently, and serve hot with phulka (Indian flatbread).