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The weekend might be here, and after those long office shifts, it could be an opportunity to unwind and share some quality moments with our loved ones. Some might opt to head out with friends, while others could think about inviting their favourite people over to the house. If you happen to fall into the second category, considering the house party could be a priority, an essential aspect of this endeavour might involve menu selection. If you're planning a house party, serving a variety of desi chops as appetisers with drinks is a great idea.
The term 'chops' typically denotes thick cuts of meat that are marinated and prepared with various seasonings. Chicken chops or pork chops are substantial pieces of meat typically cooked in a savoury sauce or served as a dry dish, often enjoyed as a main course with accompaniments like bread, vegetables, flatbreads, or rice globally. However, the desi version of chop is distinct, primarily savoured as an appetiser or a teatime snack.
In the eastern and north-eastern regions of India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, and more, desi versions of croquettes or cutlets are referred to as chop and are made with various minced meat and vegetable fillings that are seasoned, crumbed, and deep-fried in oil. Bengali aloo chop, mangsher, and mochar chop are some of the popular ones on offer. Malai chop is a sweet treat that makes for a great dessert option as well.
From chicken to aloo, here are seven types of chop that you can prepare for your next house party:
Mochar Chop
Mocher chop," a cherished Bengali delicacy, enjoys great popularity during Durga Puja and is widely available throughout Bengal. This treat is made by boiling banana flowers in lemon juice, then mixing them with boiled potatoes, grated coconut, spices, and roasted peanuts. The mixture is coated with a combination of corn flour and breadcrumbs. Mocher chop is traditionally served with kasundi, a mustard dip, or tomato ketchup.
Vegetable Chop
Being very popular on the streets of Kolkata, it can be made with any of your favourite vegetables. Mostly enjoyed as an appetiser or an evening snack, it pairs well with green or tamarind chutney. It is commonly prepared with veggies like carrots, potatoes, and beetroots, along with breadcrumbs and spices like red chilli and cumin.
Aloo Chop
Aloo chop is a delicious Bengali delight that is very popular in the states of Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Made with potatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste, besan, and spices like red chilli powder, cumin, and coriander powder, it is perfect to serve as a party appetiser. You can pair it with green or red chutney.
Chicken Chop
Chicken is the most popular meat among non-vegetarians in India. So, why not try some chicken chop? Made with tender chicken, it has a crunchy top layer with a soft and spicy filling inside. The main ingredients of chicken chop are minced chicken, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices like red chilli powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. The croquette mixture is also seasoned with lemon juice.
Maacher Chop
This is a Bengali-style fish croquette that is a very popular street food in West Bengal. This soft and delicious snack has a crispy bread coating and is deep-fried in oil. Besides being an appetiser, maacher chop can also be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea in the evening. The best fish you can use for this recipe are basa, cod, tuna, and katla.
Malai Chop
This is a traditional sweet dish from Bengali cuisine that is prepared with fresh cottage cheese, or chenna. Malai chop is soft and juicy and is best served as a dessert after dinner. This mithai has mawa stuffing and layering of cream that makes it completely irresistible. You can also garnish malai chop with your favourite dry fruits.
Mutton Chop
Commonly known as mutton cutlets, this appetiser is perfect for all kinds of parties. This crunchy and tender snack is made with minced mutton, breadcrumbs, boiled potatoes, and spices like red chilli powder, cloves, and cinnamon. Mutton chop can be enjoyed with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, or any of your favourite dips.
