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
My Wandering Spoon
Kankana, absolutely fantastic dish....and photos are so lovely:)true inspiration
http://mywanderingspoon.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/frittata-with-corn-feta-cheese/
yummy supper
Kankana, What a great idea. I never thought to use beets in such a way. And your photos are great!
Thanks,
Erin
Jennifer (Delicieux)
This looks fantastic!! I love beetroot and love the sound of a beetroot patty. Yum!!!
lisaiscooking
I've made similar beet cakes before, and they're so delicious! How great it would be to get them at a roadside stand.
Tanvi @ The Hathi Cooks
This looks awesome! I love love love beets, but have never seen them prepared this way. They look delicious!
Sylvia@bascooking
What a lovely colors and beautiful pics Stunning !!!.Love the recipe very healthy as well
Baker Street
I have never tried a beet patty mainly because i'm not a big fan of beets but you make it sound so scrumptious!
Keerthana@lifenspice
I love beetroots and am always looking out for new recipes. These look so delicious and the pictures are stunning!
Priya
Never heard of beet patty... I love beetroots but I always endup cooking it in just one way, a southindian curry with coconut. This sure is a variation, tempted to try out!
Marisa
Looks fantastic - I'm a huge fan of beetroot! Will definitely be trying this.
SinFoodie
Wow!! Absolutely gorgeous! can't take my eyes off it. All the photos are awesome!
Juliana
So interesting these beet patties with peas...they look so pretty and tasty.
Hope you have a great week Kankana and thanks for this recipe 🙂
Tadka Pasta
Ooh, just love these. Interesting that you've referenced them from Calcutta..'coz Hot Chips in Chennai makes something similar, but they just call them cutlets. Chops sounds yummier though 🙂 Lovely post!
Tanvi@SinfullySpicy
Whoa..beautiful color..love beet chops..these are wht I picked up from my MIL..strange that husband dosent like them (he is not much into bengali food) but I make a batch for myself when beets are available..I make the fried version..thanks for the healthy recipe 🙂
Congrats on Top 9
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
Delicious use of beetroot. Chops are referred to as "meat chop" in Malaysia. These are referred to as "tikki" instead 🙂
sarah
These sound awe-some! And they are gorgeous!! Love that beet-y red color!!
Malli
The Beet chops look so tempting with tea!! Gorgeous color and beautiful presentation ...you know I love all vegetarian snacks like this one!!
The Mistress of Spices
These look AMAZING, especially for a beet lover like me! I've never heard of this unique snack but will certainly be trying it out soon. Congrats on Top 9!
Sobha Shyam
wonderful recipe and clicks, beet chop sounds great and truly pleasing to eyes and ofcourse for the taste buds too..
C&T
Delicious! Never tried something like that with beetroot 🙂