Cutlet is the most popular snack eaten across the world. Cutlets come in different sizes, shapes, and kinds, but one thing is common: they are crispy, super tasty, and addictively delicious. For a Healthier option, Dalia Cutlet is a unique snack recipe.
Dalia cutlets have gained popularity for their health benefits, versatility, and have become a modern favorite among health-conscious individuals seeking a tasty yet nutritious option.
What is a Dalia Cutlet?
Dalia is also known as broken wheat or cracked wheat. The Word “cutlet” is derived from the French word- ‘Cutelette’ and is a typical starter in French cuisine. Later, it gained popularity worldwide and was produced in various forms. Traditionally, dalia is used in dishes like upma, khichdi, and kheer. The dalia cutlet is a nutritious and wholesome Indian snack. It is a hearty, satisfying, indian spicy snack.
It is a savory patty made primarily from soaked dalia (broken wheat). Combine with vegetables and spices. Typically, it is shaped into small patties and deep-fried or baked until golden and crispy. This dish is celebrated for being low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in complex carbohydrates.
Dalia cutlets have become a modern favorite among health-conscious individuals seeking a tasty, nutritious & twist on classic dishes. This is the perfect recipe if you are a Weight Watcher.
Nutritional Benefits Of Dalia:
- High in Fiber: Dalia is rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Rich in Carbohydrates: Provides sustained energy release.
- Low in Fat: If you shallow-fry or bake these cutlets are low in fat.
- Versatile: Can be customized with different types of vegetables or spices to suit individual tastes and nutritional needs.
- Protein-Rich: The dalia provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Supports Weight Management: The high fiber content makes it suitable for weight management diets.
Cultural Context:
While dalia cutlets don’t have a long-standing history in traditional Indian cuisine. Their rise in popularity aligns with a global shift towards healthier eating habits, and they are now commonly found in Indian households, especially among those seeking nutritious snack options. The adaptability of dalia cutlets allows them to be served in various ways—be it as a tea-time snack, a burger patty, or even as part of a chaat.
Evolution of Cutlets:
I have started incorporating dalia into cutlet recipes to replace or complement by combining soaked dalia with traditional ingredients like mashed potatoes, while using binding agents like rice flour, gram flour, and spices like cumin, chat masala. The mixture is then shaped into patties and shallow-fried until golden brown, resulting in a snack that’s both tasty and nutritious.
🥣Ingredients Required-
- Dalia – 1 cup
- Boiled potato – 2
- Fresh Coriander – 1 tbsp
- Chopped chilli – 2
- Crushed Garlic – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Jeera – 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Chilliflakes – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Black pepper powder – 1/4 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Chaat masala – 1/2 tsp
- Chopped onion – 1
- Rice powder – 2 tbsp
- Gram flour – 2 tbsp
- Oil to fry
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying pan or kadhai
- Spatula
- Measuring spoon
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Strainer
👩🍳 How to Make Dalia Cutlet – Step by Step Process
Step 1: Soak the Dalia
- Take a mixing bowl and add 1 cup of dalia/broken wheat.
- Rinse the dalia thoroughly. Add water and soak for at least 3 hours. After 3 hr, it was well soaked and doubled in volume.
- Take a bowl with a strainer, squeeze & discard the excess water.
- Otherwise, in a saucepan, add the same quantity of dalia and water, and cook on low heat until the dalia is soft or the water is absorbed. Then it cools completely.
Step 2:Mix Ingredients
- Take a mixing bowl with a grater. Grate the boiled potatoes or mash the potatoes.I prefer grate because it helps to make a uniform shape and texture.
- Take a large bowl, combine the soaked/cooked dalia with chopped potato, chopped coriander leaves, chopped green chilli, and chopped garlic.
- Add Spices like Coriander powder, cumin/jeera powder, turmeric powder, and chilli powder.
- For more spice, add Chilli flakes, Garam masala, Black pepper powder, Chaat masala, and salt to taste. Mix it once and add chopped onion.
Step 3: Bind the mixture
- Add Rice powder and Besan/Gram flour. It helps to bind the mixture to holds together well.
- Combine & mix well to make a dough. If needed, use extra.
Step 3: Shape The Cutlet
- Grase your hand with oil. Divide the dalia mixture into equal portions.
- Shape them between your palms into round or oval-shaped cutlets.
- Save on a plate, and similarly make the rest all.
Step 4: Fry The Cutlet
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Place the cutlet one by one in the pan and shallow fry. Don’t overcrowd.
- Turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Fry them until they turn golden and crispy,
- Using a slotted spoon, take out the fried pakodas from the oil and save them on a plate.
- Similarly, fry the rest all.
- To Bake the Cutlet- Preheat the oven to 180 c for 15 minutes and place the patties on a greased tray. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes on each side or until golden and crisp.
Step 5:Serve
- Remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve dalia cutlet hot with chutney, dipping sauce, or mint yogurt dip for added flavor.
🍽️Serving Ideas for Dalia Cutlets
Dalia cutlets are a nutritious and versatile snack that can be presented in various ways to enhance their appeal.
- Tea Time Snack – Serve warm dalia cutlet with a side of green chutney or tomato ketchup. Pair with a hot cup of masala tea for a comforting evening treat.
- Dalia Cutlet Chaat – By topping with chopped onion, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and combining with tamarind and green chutneys, a spoonful of yogurt, then sprinkle chaat masala. Your cutlet chaat is ready.
- Wraps and Rolls – Take a whole wheat or multigrain wrap, place a dalia cutlet as a filling on it along with fresh veggies and spread mayo or ketchup, roll it up and enjoy a wrap.
- Party Appetizers – Serve mini-sized dalia cutlets on skewers with a side of dipping sauces. Garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
- Healthy Burger Alternative – For a healthy burger, use a dalia cutlet as a patty, place it between whole wheat buns.
Variations:
- Vrat (Fasting) Version – Use Rock salt and singhar ka atta ( Water chestnut flour )for binding.
- Protein Boost – To increase protein content, use grated paneer or boiled chickpeas.
- Spice It Up – Incorporate spices like amchur (dry Mango Powder ) or fresh lemon juice for tanginess.
Quick Safety Tips While Cooking
- Be careful with hot oil – Add ingredients slowly to prevent splattering.
- Chop safely – Use a stable cutting board and a sharp knife for mushrooms and veggies.
- Avoid touching your eyes after handling chilies – Wash hands thoroughly.
- Cook spices on a low flame – This prevents burning and maintains flavor.
- Keep the stove attended – Never leave your dish unattended on a high flame.
- Use the Right Equipment – Avoid nonstick cookware, use a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Control Oil Temperature – Maintain optimal range & avoid overheating.
- Avoid Overcrowding – Frying in small batches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Dalia cutlet?
Dalia tikkis are cutlets, which are very rich in fiber. not only healthier but also nutritious.
What is the perfect time to have these fulfilling & healthy Tikkis?
Dalia gives more energy and will feel satisfied the whole day, so breakfast time is excellent.
Can I bake a dalia cutlet?
Yes, Dalia cutlets are shallow-fried, but you can also bake them in the oven.
Can I make chaat with dalia cutlet?
Yes, you can also make chaat with dalia cutlet.
Can I make a burger with this Dalia Cutlet?
Yes it you can make a cutlet as a burger patty.
Conclusion & Suggestion :
These Cutlets are a great way to make for kids, it’s a complete meal. Even adults are looking for new ways to incorporate broken wheat/dalia in their menu. This dish is a great choice, so be sure to try it out. It’s a healthy and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.
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