Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrates triumph; light triumphs over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The multi-day celebration takes place around the Hindu new moon, sometime in mid-October through mid-November each year. Food plays central to the holiday, culminating on day three of the festival. Shareable, snackable dishes foster togetherness – like these simple Indian-style potato pancakes.
Known as Aloo Cheela, potato fritters make for a filling, savory snack or side dish. These take under an hour, start to finish, and combine hearty potatoes, zesty chili powder, verdant peas, and tangy citrus yogurt for dipping sauce for a tasty plate of goodness.
Indian-Style Potato Pancakes
| Yield |
|---|
| Serves 8 |
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 25 min | 35 min |
Ingredients
- For patties:
- 2 cups prepared potato flakes, made according to package directions
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons dried chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
- For sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 limes, juiced, or 2 tablespoons lime juice or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
- For patties: Prepare potato flakes according to package directions and allow to cool slightly at room temperature.
- Combine prepared potatoes, peas, chili powder, dried chives, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix well. Form mixture into 8 small patties, about 1/2-inch-thick.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden-brown and crisp.
- For sauce: Whisk together yogurt, lime juice and salt in a small bowl. Serve potato patties with yogurt mixture.
- Recipe and video: Dish Works
