Sindhi Potato Pancake
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these savory potato pancakes are a beloved Sindhi snack. Made with mashed potatoes, bread, and simple spices, they're perfect with a side of green chutney.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potato and Bread Base
- b.In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the boiled and cooled potatoes until smooth. Using cooled potatoes prevents the mixture from becoming gummy.
- c.Take a separate bowl of water. Dip each bread slice in the water for just a second, then immediately and firmly squeeze out all excess water between your palms. The bread should be moist but not dripping.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Pancake Mixture
- b.Crumble the squeezed bread into the mashed potatoes.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, and fresh coriander leaves.
- d.Sprinkle in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, amchur, and salt.
- e.Gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes starchy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Patties
- b.Lightly grease your palms with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.
- c.Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
- d.Take one portion, roll it into a smooth ball, and then gently flatten it into a round patty (tikki), about 2.5 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Pancakes
- b.Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Carefully place 3-4 patties in the pan, leaving space between them.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is a deep golden brown and crisp.
- e.Gently flip the patties and fry for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until equally crisp and golden.
- f.Repeat the process for the remaining patties, adding a little more oil if the pan becomes too dry.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- c.Serve immediately while hot and crispy with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled potatoes are completely cool and not watery. Refrigerating them for an hour after boiling helps remove excess moisture.
- 2Squeezing all the water from the bread is the most critical step to prevent the patties from breaking apart while frying.
- 3Fry the pancakes on a steady medium heat. High heat will brown them too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside undercooked.
- 4For an extra crispy texture, you can coat the shaped patties in a thin layer of rice flour or semolina (rava) before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable-Loaded
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped or grated vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the potato mixture for added nutrition and texture.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
For a more robust flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala and 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder to the spice mix.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Replace the bread slices with 1/2 cup of soaked and drained poha (flattened rice) or use 1/4 cup of rice flour as a binder.
Cheesy CenterCheesy Center
Place a small cube of mozzarella or processed cheese in the center of each patty before sealing and flattening for a gooey, melted surprise.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Sustained Energy
Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to keep you active throughout the day.
Aids Digestion
Ingredients like ginger and coriander are traditionally known for their digestive properties, helping to soothe the stomach and improve gut health.
Rich in Antioxidants
The spices used, such as turmeric and red chili powder, contain powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against cellular damage from free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
Sindhi Potato Pancake is a source of carbohydrates for energy. As it's shallow-fried, it's a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat bread, pan-fry with minimal oil, or cook it in an air fryer.