Learn how to make crispy Black Chana Tikki with hung curd dip. This high-protein, gluten-free and fiber-rich snack is perfect for breakfast, evening snacks and kids’ tiffin.
About Black Chana Tikki Recipe
Black Chana Tikki is a healthy and delicious snack made with boiled kala chana, fresh vegetables and aromatic Indian spices. These tikkis are rich in protein, fiber and essential nutrients, making them a great choice for breakfast, evening snacks or lunch boxes. Served with a refreshing mint hung curd dip, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in plant-based protein
- Rich in fiber
- Gluten-free recipe
- Uses very little oil
- Perfect for weight management
- Kid-friendly and lunch-box friendly
- Easy to prepare
Try out my other healthy snacks recipes – Besan Chilla,Ragi Nachos, homemade papdi, Masala Peanuts.
Ingredients
Black Chana (Kala Chana) –
It is the star ingredient of this recipe. Rich in plant-based protein and high in dietary fiber, it keeps you full for longer that helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Also supports weight management.
Carrot and beetroot –
Adds natural sweetness and colour. Rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants increases the nutritional value of the tikkis.
Spinach –
Adds iron,folate, and fibre content. Enhances nutritional value without affecting taste significantly.
Onion –
Adds flavor and crunch also provides natural sweetness after cooking.
Spices –
Like coriander powder, Cumin Powder (Jeera Powder),Turmeric Powder (Haldi), Amchur Powder, and Red Chilli Powder adds earthy flavor, natural anti-inflammatory, enhances digestion, and balances the earthy taste of black chana.
Besan (Gram Flour) –
Acts as a natural binder, increases protein content and helps make tikkis crispier.
Rice Flour –
Creates a crispy outer layer and helps absorb excess moisture.
Hung Curd-
High in protein, thick and creamy texture that makes a healthy alternative to mayonnaise.
Mint Leaves-
Refreshing flavor, helps digestion, and pairs beautifully with the spicy tikkis.
Black Salt and Black pepper-
Adds a tangy chaat-like flavor, Enhances overall flavor and adds mild heat.
Read more about why should we include more vegetables in out diet –Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Vegetables and Fruits
How to Make Black Chana Tikki- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grind boiled and cooled black chana into a coarse mixture.
- Transfer to a bowl and add grated carrot & beetroot, finely chopped spinach and onion.
3. Add all spices for flavour and mix well. Add besan and rice flour for binding.
4. Mix everything well and Shape the mixture into tikkis.
5. Heat a tawa and greased with little oil. Place the tikkis on it. Cook on medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.
6. For the dip, mix hung curd, mint leaves, black salt, black pepper. Add fresh curd if needed to adjust the consistency.
7. Serve hot tikkis with hung curd dip and green chutney.
Expert Tips for Perfect Black Chana Tikki
Keep the Mixture Coarse
Avoid making a smooth paste.
A coarse mixture:
✔ Gives better texture
✔ Prevents soggy tikkis
✔ Makes them crispier
Remove Excess Moisture
If your vegetables release water: Add 1–2 tbsp extra besan Or add 1 tbsp oats flour. This helps maintain shape.
Use finely chop spinach & onion to prevent the tikkis from breaking.
Dry roast besan for 1 minute before adding for an even better flavor.
Chill Before Cooking
After shaping the tikkis, refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes.
This improves binding, prevents breakage and makes flipping easier.
Cook on Medium Flame
Cooking on high heat can: Burn the outside and leave the inside undercooked. Medium flame ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Don’t Flip Too Early
Allow one side to develop a crust before flipping. This prevents the tikki from breaking.
Use a Cast-Iron Tawa if Possible
A cast-iron tawa creates a better crust and gives a restaurant-style texture
Storage Tips
- Store uncooked tikki mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Cooked tikkis can be refrigerated for 2 days and reheated on a tawa before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a healthy breakfast.
- Enjoy as an evening snack with tea.
- Pack in kids’ lunch boxes.
- Use in wraps or burgers for a protein-rich meal.
Healthy Variations
Air Fryer Version
Air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes. Flip halfway through.
Vegan Version
Replace hung curd with:
Peanut curd
Coconut curd
Soy curd
Extra High Protein Version
Add 2 tbsp paneer OR 2 tbsp tofu OR 1 tbsp roasted soybean flour
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Grinding chana into a smooth paste
❌ Adding too many vegetables
❌ Skipping binding ingredients
❌ Cooking on high heat
❌ Flipping repeatedly
❌ Using very watery curd for the dip
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tikkis without rice flour?
Yes, you can replace rice flour with oats flour or additional besan.
Are black chana tikkis good for weight loss?
Yes, they are high in protein and fiber, which helps keep you full for longer.
Can I air fry these tikkis?
Yes, air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe Card
Black Chana Tikki Recipe | High Protein Gluten-Free Healthy Snack
Ingredients
Ingredients For Black Chana Tikki
- 1 cup boiled black chana
- 1 small carrot grated
- ¼ cup grated beetroot
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp amchur powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- 2 tbsp besan
- 2 tbsp rice flour
For Hung Curd Dip
- ⅓ cup hung curd
- 1.5 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
- ¼ tsp Black salt to taste
- ¼ tsp Black pepper powder
- 1-2 tbsp fresh curd as required
Instructions
- Grind boiled black chana into a coarse mixture.
- Transfer to a bowl and add carrot, beetroot, spinach and onion.
- Add all spices and mix well.
- Add besan and rice flour for binding.
- Shape the mixture into tikkis.
- Heat a greased tawa and place the tikkis on it.
- Cook on medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.
- For the dip, mix hung curd, mint leaves, black salt, black pepper and fresh curd.
- Serve hot tikkis with hung curd dip and green chutney.
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Notes
Conclusion
These Black Chana Tikkis are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and packed with protein and fiber. Pair them with mint hung curd dip for a wholesome and satisfying snack that the whole family will love. Enjoy this healthy recipe any time of the day!
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