Amritsari Veg Recipes: Authentic Dishes to Savor Today

Amritsari cuisine, hailing from the vibrant city of Amritsar in Punjab, India, is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and hearty dishes. While the city is famous for its mouth-watering meat delicacies, its vegetarian recipes are equally delightful and packed with traditional Punjabi zest.

These recipes celebrate fresh vegetables, gram flour, and a medley of spices that come together to create irresistible dishes that are perfect for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Amritsari veg recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Punjabi flavors with a vegetarian twist.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some classic Amritsari veg dishes that you can easily recreate at home. From the crispy and spicy Amritsari Aloo Tikki to the delightful Paneer Amritsari, these recipes bring the heart of Punjab right to your kitchen.

Get ready to dive into a world of bold tastes, vibrant colors, and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amritsari veg recipes are a perfect blend of tradition and taste. They use simple, fresh ingredients combined with aromatic spices to create dishes that are both flavorful and comforting.

These recipes are:

• Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
• Vegetarian-friendly and customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
• Crispy, spicy, and satisfying with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Perfect for any occasion, be it a casual family dinner or a festive celebration.
• Rich in Punjabi heritage, offering an authentic taste of Amritsar’s culinary traditions.

Ingredients

• For Amritsari Aloo Tikki:
• 4 medium-sized boiled potatoes, mashed
• 1/2 cup boiled green peas
• 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green chilies
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying
• For Paneer Amritsari:
• 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed for batter consistency
• Oil for deep frying
• Additional ingredients for accompaniments:
• Green chutney (made from coriander, mint, green chilies, lemon, salt)
• Tamarind chutney
• Thinly sliced onions and lemon wedges

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Non-stick frying pan or skillet
• Deep frying pan or kadhai
• Slotted spoon
• Serving plates
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and chopping board
• Masher for potatoes

Instructions

Amritsari Aloo Tikki

1. Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and boiled green peas. Mix well to incorporate.
2. Add spices and binding agents: To the potato mixture, add gram flour, red chili powder, chaat masala, garam masala, green chilies, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix thoroughly to form a dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too sticky, add a little more gram flour.
3. Shape the tikkis: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into a flat round patty, approximately 2-3 inches in diameter.
4. Cook the tikkis: Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the tikkis until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve hot: Serve the tikkis hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges for that authentic Amritsari street food experience.

Paneer Amritsari

1. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, carom seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt. Add water gradually to make a thick, smooth batter that can coat the paneer cubes evenly.
2. Coat the paneer: Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
3. Heat oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Fry the paneer: Carefully drop the batter-coated paneer cubes into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Serve: Serve hot with mint chutney and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, chill the prepared tikkis or paneer pieces for 15-20 minutes before frying.

Feel free to experiment with the spice levels to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of black salt or amchur (dry mango powder) can add a tangy twist that complements the spices beautifully.

If you prefer a healthier version, these dishes can be baked or air-fried instead of deep frying.

For a more indulgent dish, try stuffing the aloo tikkis with a spiced paneer or vegetable filling before frying. Additionally, explore pairing these recipes with Bread And Gravy Recipe for a wholesome meal or complement with a refreshing drink like the Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Amritsari veg delights are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve the Aloo Tikkis as a starter or as a side with a steaming bowl of dal or curried vegetables.

The crispy Paneer Amritsari pairs wonderfully with a tangy green chutney and makes for an excellent party appetizer.

For a complete meal, pair these dishes with Indian-style Bok Choy or a simple pulao. Don’t forget to add some fresh salad or raita to balance the spices and add freshness.

Conclusion

Amritsari veg recipes are a fantastic way to bring the bold and vibrant flavors of Punjab into your home kitchen. These dishes are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy authentic tastes with vegetarian ingredients.

With simple steps and accessible spices, you can easily recreate the street-food magic of Amritsar for your family and friends.

Whether you’re craving the crispy and spicy aloo tikkis or the flavorful paneer pakoras, these recipes will surely satisfy your appetite and impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices and accompaniments to make these recipes your own.

For more exciting dishes, check out the Breakfast Wellington Recipe or the hearty Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe for inspiration beyond vegetarian delights.

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