The word chop is usually related to meat, like pork chop or lamb chop but in this recipe, it means a deep-fried or pan-fried patty. In Kolkata (situated in east of India), chop is a very common roadside snack bite. These snacks are made with vegetables, fish or egg; mixed with boiled potatoes, some spice mix or herbs and then, either pan-fried or deep-fried.
It's one of those perfect, savory snacks that should be enjoyed with your loved ones over a cup of evening tea or coffee. It can also be served as a finger food in a cocktail party with some spicy dip of your choice.
I was not born or brought up in Kolkata. We moved there a few years back and that's how it's my home now 🙂 When we lived in Shillong, Kolkata used to be our yearly winter vacation spot and one of the main reasons was because it's my Mom's hometown. My lil’ brother and I used to always look forward to this trip, make plans to meet up with all our cousins and get pampered by the love and attention from uncles and aunties.
Mom has a huge family and when we all meet, it's like a party at home!
When there is a party, there ought to be food and Kolkata is famous for that. Aunties and Ma would cook various courses of meal the entire day along with non-stop chit chatting, uncles and Dad would sit by the couch and debate on topics related finance or politics. And, we cousins would play in the backyard the entire time.
After a heavy lunch and few hours of rest, the home would get busy again and this time for evening tea which would be served with different snacks like chops, samosas and even sweets. Beet chop was a must(specially for me) and it is usually served with some chopped red onions and fresh cucumber!
These chops were hardly prepared at home because it tastes best from roadside shops.. or at-least that's what we kids thought 🙂
Those were such golden days that we still try to re-live those moments whenever we catch up and beet chop is still a part of our evening snacks!
I am not sure what are the ingredients or method used by the roadside shops. So, I just improvised and added some of my own twist to it. It actually tastes pretty good and since it's so easy to make, it's one of our common evening snacks these days.
Beet Chop/Beetroot Patty – My twist on a street food from Kolkata
Ingredients
- 2 medium size beetroots (grated)
- a bunch of chives (finely chopped (you can use 1 medium size onion as a substitute))
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ teaspoon pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 1 large onion (boiled and mashed)
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tbs all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 tbs panko bread crumbs (or any bread crumbs)
- salt
- oil (for pan fry)
- 1 medium red onion (chopped (to serve with the chop))
- 1 medium cucumber (chopped (to serve with the chop))
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients except oil, red onion and cucumber.
- Make the patties from the mixture in whatever shape or size you like. This is the part where your hands will get all red and messy 🙂
- Keep these in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 F.
- In a flat pan, heat 2 tbs oil and fry the patties in medium heat for about 4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with chopped red onions and cucumbers.
Nutrition
Lubna Karim
Very new to me.....Never made patties with beetroot as main ingredient.....awesome color....love to try this....
Liz
Oh, I love beets! And these patties are simply gorgeous!
Karen
I love beets so I'm sure I would love these chops! Such a lovely color and gorgeous photos. Always fun to learn about new foods! Great post and congrats on Top 9!
Suzi
These are absolutely amazing and vegetarian. I would never have thought to make a beet patty. Beautiful, Kankana!
Sudha
Your post brought back so many fond memories,Kankana:)Absolutely loooved your Beet root chops - amazing colors,amazing clicks and an amazingly innovative way of first frying and then baking for a soft interior.Cuts down a lot on the calories!Awesome!
Christy Gerald
Healthy Colourful Beet Cutlets.Luv it.Dear Blogger Friend,Wish U a Warm and Happy Diwali.Let the Day of Lights be celebrated with taste-filled delights,Safe and Delicious Memorable Moments - Regards, Christy Gerald
rebecca
so pretty my hubby would love these
Kelly
Kankana, I love these beetroot patties! What an extraordinary colour. I know I will always find something beautiful and out of the ordinary on your site every time I visit.
cook@vatsalas
Hi Kankana, I thought these were beef or steak patties so almost did not bother to click:) . Great pictures and description, thanks for sharing. I usually make beans and soy patties. I love beets and love to experiment new beet dishes. This will be a good one to try.
Tina@flourtrader
Very creative and unique-love the ingredients. I can see why this is in top 9 today-very deserving. Congrats Kankana-awesome!
Shabs
Wowowowowo, I love beetroot , and this look so good , I think I have all of the ingredients here ,def I am making them .God one Kankana and again the pics are amazing as usual 🙂
Ira Rodrigues
Great pictures and recipe, totally love it!
Wishing you happy Diwali 🙂
Nami | Just One Cookbook
What a beautiful color of beet! I love beets and I enjoy eating them. As always I enjoy every single picture, Kankana! Happy Diwali to you!
Aroma y Cocina
Really nice and exotic recipe!.
I like it!
Begoña
Radhika
Loved the write up Kankana. Nice clicks and thanks for sharing this yummy dish with us. Can't wait to try it out. Happy Diwali Wishes to you and your family dear.
tigerfish
This is such a unique patty! And made from super powerhouses - beets and chives! Wow.
Sandra's Easy Cooking
What a great memories..yes, golden indeed Kankana! I never tried patties made from beets, but since I love them so much I think this will be my next "must try" food! Wonderful photography as always and great recipe!!!
Congrats on top 9!!!xoxo
Purabi Naha
These beet chops look terriffic! Like you, these really remind me of my Kolkata trips on summer vacations, when I used to enjoy street foods like these with my cousins, jethus and jethimas. I like the addition of boiled onion to this!
torviewtoronto and createwithmom
yummy healthy combination this looks wonderful Kankana
Richa@HobbyandMore
lovely color and stunning pictures.. this one i can just about make without any changes!! i love the beety color.. and amazingly i never had any chop things in calcutta.. well i visited just 3 times when i was too young.. so maybe i dont even remember.:) and most likely we just hogged on sondesh.