Introduction
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and nutritious snack: Bengali Millet Cutlet. Cutlets are a popular appetizer or snack in Bengali cuisine, typically made with mashed vegetables and spices, coated in breadcrumbs, and shallow fried until crispy. This version uses millet as the main ingredient, adding a healthy twist while retaining the authentic Bengali flavors. These millet cutlets are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a tasty evening snack. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup millet (foxtail or pearl millet)
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup green peas, boiled and mashed
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons rice flour or besan (gram flour) for binding
- Oil for shallow frying
For Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade)
- 1/4 cup rice flour or cornstarch (for dredging)
- Water for making a slurry
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder) for a tangy flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala for extra zing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Millet
- Rinse the millet under running water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed millet and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the cooked millet with a fork and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked millet, mashed potatoes, mashed green peas, grated carrot, chopped onion, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste.
- Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to taste.
- Mix in the chopped coriander leaves.
- If using, add amchur powder and chaat masala for an extra tangy flavor.
- Add rice flour or besan to the mixture. This helps in binding the cutlets.
- Mix everything well to form a cohesive mixture. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more rice flour or besan.
Step 3: Shape the Cutlets
- Divide the mixture into equal-sized portions and shape them into round or oval patties (cutlets).
- Place the cutlets on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape while frying.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Cutlets
- Prepare the coating station: Place breadcrumbs in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, make a slurry by mixing rice flour or cornstarch with enough water to form a thin paste.
- Heat oil for shallow frying in a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Take each cutlet, dip it in the slurry, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Then, coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the cutlet.
- Carefully place the coated cutlet in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the cutlets from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Tips for Success
- Binding: Ensure the mixture binds well by adding sufficient rice flour or besan. This helps the cutlets hold their shape while frying.
- Chilling: Refrigerating the shaped cutlets before frying helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at a consistent medium heat. Too hot oil will burn the cutlets, and too cool oil will make them greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bengali Millet Cutlets hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. They make a great appetizer for parties or a tasty snack for evening tea.
Conclusion
Bengali Millet Cutlets are a flavorful and wholesome snack that combines the goodness of millet with traditional Bengali spices. These crispy and delicious cutlets are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy making and savoring these delightful millet cutlets!
Don’t forget to share your experience and feedback in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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