Paneer Sabudana Tikki
Paneer Sabudana Tikki
Paneer Sabudana Tikki Recipe is a delicious no onion, no garlic snack made with paneer, potatoes, sabudana (tapioca pearls), peanuts and spices. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these wholesome tikkis are perfect for fasting days, tea-time snacking or a light family meal.
In India, many people observe fasting days throughout the year during festivals such as Navratri, Janmashtami, Maha Shivratri and Karwa Chauth. Others choose to fast on specific days of the week or during Ekadashi. As a result, a wide variety of vrat-friendly recipes have evolved that are both nourishing and flavourful.
This Paneer Sabudana Tikki Recipe is one such dish. It combines the protein-rich goodness of paneer with potatoes, crunchy peanuts and sabudana to create a satisfying snack that feels indulgent while remaining suitable for fasting. Moreover, the crispy sabudana coating gives the tikkis a wonderful texture that makes them difficult to resist.
The recipe comes from my mother, who often prepares these tikkis during fasting days. Growing up, I watched her transform simple ingredients into delicious meals that never felt restrictive. Consequently, this recipe has become one of my favourite fasting dishes and remains a regular feature in our home.
Unlike many fasting recipes that focus solely on convenience, these tikkis offer a wonderful balance of flavour and texture. The soft paneer and potato mixture pairs beautifully with the crunch of peanuts and sabudana. Furthermore, pan-frying creates a golden, crispy exterior while using less oil than deep-frying.
Whether you are observing a fast or simply looking for a healthy vegetarian snack, this Paneer Sabudana Tikki Recipe is guaranteed to become a family favourite.
What is Paneer Sabudana Tikki?
Paneer Sabudana Tikki is a vrat-friendly Indian snack made by combining paneer, potatoes, sabudana and spices into small patties that are pan-fried until crisp and golden.
Unlike traditional potato tikkis, this version incorporates paneer and sabudana, creating a more filling and nutritious snack. As a result, it works equally well for fasting and non-fasting days.
Why You’ll Love This Paneer Sabudana Tikki Recipe
Perfect for Navratri and fasting days
No onion and no garlic
Crispy outside and soft inside
High in protein from paneer
Easy to prepare
Family-friendly snack
Great for tea-time or light meals
Moreover, the recipe uses simple ingredients commonly available in Indian kitchens. In addition, it can be prepared ahead of time and cooked when needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Paneer
Paneer provides protein and creates a soft, creamy texture inside the tikkis.
Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)
Sabudana adds texture and contributes to the signature crisp exterior.
Potatoes
Potatoes help bind the mixture together while adding softness and flavour.
Peanuts
Peanuts add crunch and a delicious nutty flavour.
Green Chillies
Green chillies provide gentle heat and enhance the overall taste.
Fresh Coriander
Fresh coriander adds freshness and aroma.
Fasting Spices
Simple vrat-friendly spices bring all the ingredients together and create a balanced flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Paneer Sabudana Tikki with:
Fasting Green Chutney
Sweet Yoghurt
Fresh Curd
Peanut Chutney
Fasting Thali
Alternatively, serve them as a healthy tea-time snack or appetiser. Likewise, they make an excellent addition to festive fasting menus.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This Paneer Sabudana Tikki Recipe stands out because it combines the comfort of potato tikkis with the richness of paneer and the crunch of sabudana. Unlike many fasting snacks that can feel repetitive, these tikkis are packed with flavour and texture.
Moreover, pan-frying creates a wonderfully crispy crust while keeping the interior soft and creamy. As a result, the recipe feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Storage
Store uncooked tikkis in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Cooked tikkis can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated on a tawa or in an air fryer before serving.
Paneer Sabudana Tikki Recipe FAQs
Is Paneer Sabudana Tikki suitable for Navratri fasting?
Yes. This recipe uses fasting-friendly ingredients and is commonly prepared during Navratri and other vrat occasions.
Can I air-fry these tikkis?
Absolutely. Air-frying works very well and creates a crispy exterior with less oil.
Can I make the mixture in advance?
Yes. The mixture can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until required.
What should I serve with Paneer Sabudana Tikki?
Fasting green chutney, yoghurt and peanut chutney pair beautifully with these tikkis.
Is Paneer Sabudana Tikki gluten-free?
Yes. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those avoiding wheat.
Other recipes you might like to try are Masala Sabudana, Kuttu Ke Pakori, Roasted Nut Chaat, Sabudana Vada Appe, Hariyali Sabudana Khichdi and Sukha Kala Chana.
Ingredients
½ cup peanuts
½ cup sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)
1 cup grated paneer
1 cup boiled grated potatoes
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon white pepper
2 teaspoons grated ginger
1-2 teaspoons finely chopped green chillies
½ cup finely chopped coriander leaves
2 tablespoons ghee/oil
Directions
Heat a pan and add the peanuts. Dry roast the peanuts on low to medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until they are slightly golden and crisp. Turn off the heat and set them aside to cool down.
Once the peanuts have cooled, grind them into a coarse powder.
Grind the sabudana into a smooth powder.
In a bowl, add paneer, potatoes, sabudana powder, salt, white pepper, peanuts, ginger, green chillies and coriander leaves and mix.
Divide the mixture into 7-8 equal balls, then press and flatten each tikki.
To cook the tikki, heat the oil/ghee in a frying pan. Once hot, turn the heat to medium and cook the tikki in batches, cooking on each side for about 3 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Enjoy with green chutney!
