Bottle gourd and Multi Grain Bread Pattie (Tikki) served with Sweet and Hot Tamarind Pulp

Have you heard of “Tikki” made of bottle gourd? I didn’t have any clue about this recipe until my nutritionist/trainer introduced this unique recipe some one year back. Thanks to the happy soul for introducing me to another interesting snacking option which is extremely light on your palate and strikingly appropriate to be considered as a tea time snack.

According to health experts, snacking is beneficial to your health. Years of research indicates that snacking in between meals is healthy and satisfying to a person. The choice of snacks and its contents matter.

Also another healthy option is to select a light evening snack for your early summer dinner and to avoid salt intake after 7 PM. You can take fruits or curd after 7 PM to cut off the extra calories and flab's.

Many people avoid snacks because they are afraid that snacks contribute to weight gain. However, a healthy snack can offer health benefits. Snacks can even be included in a weight loss plan. The trick is to choose a snack with about 100 calories and a mix of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Aim to eat your snack about halfway between meals to keep energy levels consistent.

Believe me! Your search for that ideal health snacks comes to an end with this inimitable recipe of bottle gourd tikki(pattie) served with sweet and hot tamarind sauce. It Tastes great and gives a softer feeling. It is not only nutritious, but also helpful to fight out the hot summer months.

This is an amazing and fantastic yummy dish innovatively prepared with a quite tasteless and bland vegetable which nobody would have ever thought off. However without ignoring its health benefits do try this recipe at home to enjoy the flavors of this exotic Pattie loaded with immense nutrients beneficial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

It is low in calories and fat yet high in dietary fiber. It has a cooling, calming and a diuretic effect. So get ready to enjoy the benefits of healthy snacking with this pleasing quick recipe.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Serves: 2 people

Ingredients for the Bottle gourd Tikki:

Bottle gourd: 300 gms

Green Chillies: 2-3 finely chopped

Grated Ginger:2 tsp

Chopped Mint leaves: 2 tsp

Cumin Seeds: 2 tsp

Coriander Powder: 1 ½ Tsp

Garam Masala Powder: 1 tsp

Chopped Coriander Leaves: 2 tbsp

Dry Mango Powder: 2 tsp

Multi Grain Whole Wheat Bread: 2-3

Oil:1 ½ tsp for shallow fry

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Tamarind Sauce:

Tamarind (Seeded): ½ cup

Powdered Sugar: 2 ½ cups

Red Chilli Powder: 2tsp

Grated Ginger Juice: 3 tsp

Hing(asafetida): 1 pinch soaked in water

Salt: As required

Black Salt: 2 tsp

Finely Chopped Coriander: 2 tbsp

Roasted Cumin Powder: 2 tsp

Preparation for Tikki:

1.  First remove bottle gourd peel and grate the gourd and squeeze out the excess water from the bottle gourd.

2.  In a wide bowl add all the ingredients mentioned above for the tikkis except the multi- grain breads. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

3.    Now unevenly break the multi grain bread pieces and mix it with the remaining ingredients. This will act as a binding agent to hold all other ingredients mixed for the tikkis.

4.   Grease your hands with little oil and take little portion from the tikki mixture to shape them into roundels for shallow fry. The shape should resemble normal aloo(potato) tikki.

5.  Heat oil in a non-stick pan and shallow fry the tikkis on both the sides till they turn golden from both the sides. Fry them over medium flame and it should approximately take you 10 minutes for the patties to get that perfect golden tinge on both the sides.

6.   These tikkis(patties) are meant to be eaten crispy.

Preparation for Sweet & Spicy Tamarind Dip:

1. Break the tamarind into small pieces and soak it in the hot boiling water for 2 hour.

2. Mash it into a pulp and strain pressing the tamarind into the strainer so that all the pulp comes out.

3. Add powdered sugar to the pulp and mix well. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix again well and taste. Add more sugar, salt or chillies as needed.

4. You can store this easily in Fridge for 3-4 days.

5. An alternative option in place of sugar is jaggery.

    

I am sure you will fall in love with amazing health freak snacking option.