Corn and Spinach Tikki (Indian Patties)

Small, crisp tikkis are a familiar Indian snack: pan-fried patties usually shaped from mashed vegetables, spices and a starchy binder, then served hot with chutney or yoghurt. In this version, potato gives the mixture structure, sweetcorn adds juicy sweetness and spinach brings a savoury, green note. Ginger, garlic, cumin and green chilli keep the flavour warm rather than heavy, while shallow-frying creates a golden crust with a soft centre. They work well as an appetiser, teatime snack or vegetarian sharing plate, especially with cooling Greek yoghurt and a sharp tamarind dip alongside.
Cuisine style Indian snack-style cooking
Spice level Mild
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Freezer-friendly • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Crisp outside, soft centre: Mashed potato binds the patties while the shallow-fried surface turns golden and crisp.
  • Balanced dipping sauces: Cool yoghurt softens the chilli heat, while tamarind adds the sharp, fruity acidity that makes the patties feel lively.
  • Easy to adjust: The chilli, flour choice and dipping yoghurt can all be adapted without changing the basic tikki method.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For less heat: Remove the chilli seeds or use a smaller amount of green chilli so the ginger and cumin stay prominent.
  • For more heat: Use a hotter green chilli or add a little extra finely chopped chilli to the mixture before shaping.

Texture tips

  • Drain the greens well: Squeeze the wilted spinach thoroughly before mixing; excess water makes the patties fragile and less crisp.
  • Shape firmly: Press the patties together well and smooth the edges so they hold their shape as they fry.

Ingredient notes

  • Use flour as the binder: Plain flour helps absorb moisture and hold the potato mixture together; chickpea flour gives a nuttier, more traditional flavour.
  • Adjust the tamarind dip: Tamarind varies in sharpness, so loosen it gradually with warm water and balance the tang to taste.

Make-ahead tips

  • Shape ahead: The patties can be shaped in advance and kept chilled until ready to fry.
  • Freeze cooked tikkis: Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then bag and reheat from frozen in a 200°C (390°F) oven until piping hot.
  • Refresh the crust: Reheat refrigerated tikkis in a frying pan with a little oil to bring back the crisp exterior.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel the potatoes, cut into even chunks, and boil in well-salted water for 12 to 15 minutes until very tender. Drain well, then return to the hot pan for 1 minute to steam-dry. Mash until smooth and let cool slightly.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the corn in boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes until just tender, then drain. When cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs. Wilt the spinach in a saucepan with a splash of water for 1 to 2 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture and finely chop.
  3. Finely chop the green chilli, grate the ginger, and crush the garlic. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato, corn, spinach, chilli, ginger, garlic, ground cumin, fine sea salt, and plain flour. Mix until the mixture holds together; if it feels wet, work it a little more to help the flour bind.
  4. Shape into 12 small patties, pressing firmly so the edges do not crack. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add enough sunflower oil to coat the base. Fry the tikkis in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and crisp, adding a little more oil as needed.
  5. Stir the tamarind paste with 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water until smooth and spoonable. Serve the hot tikkis with greek yogurt and the tamarind dip for dunking.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Squeeze the spinach very well after wilting; excess moisture is the main reason tikkis break in the pan.
  • Keep the oil at a steady medium heat so the tikkis colour evenly without burning before the centres heat through.
  • If serving to anyone vulnerable to foodborne illness, use pasteurised greek yogurt.

Substitutions

  • Replace plain flour with chickpea flour for a more traditional, nuttier tikki.
  • Replace greek yogurt with whole-milk yogurt for a looser, more traditional dipping yoghurt.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a frying pan over medium heat with a little sunflower oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side until piping hot. Freeze cooked tikkis in a single layer, then bag; reheat from frozen in a 200°C (390°F) oven for 12 to 15 minutes until piping hot.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 45min (40min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk Wheat
Beginner friendly Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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