Exploring cuisines other than the ones we grew up with is a badge of honor for many of us, foodies or not. However hard you've worked to expand your palate, though, there are certainly dishes you haven't tried, buried deep in the far corner of your menu or on another "secret" menu entirely. We're here to help you push the boundaries of your palate to try dishes you've never even considered. Here's the best Indian dish you probably haven't ordered—yet.
What is aloo tikki chaat?
This Indian dish is a street food, mostly served out of carts by vendors. Aloo tikki means, literally, a potato cutlet; the closest English equivalent for the word chaat is "snack"—but this specifcally refers to something savory and sold from a food stall or cart.
The Potatoes
The main star of this vegetarian dish is the potatoes. First they're boiled and mashed with fragrant herbs and spices to give it flavor: think coriander, masala, chilis, and cumin. The potato mixture is formed into patties, coated in cornflour, and then fried until the outside is crispy.
The Toppings
Like most Indian cuisine, the sauces are everything. Traditionally, diners smother the potato patties with two different chutneys—green and tamarind—as well as palate-cooling yogurt. Other aloo tikki chaat recipes include something hot and rich, such as chickpeas simmered in curry sauce,
The Garnishes
A sprinkling of chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro leaves add brightness to the dish. For some crunch, scatter on top some sev—crunchy chickpea noodles seasoned with turmeric and other spices.