Chickpea To Chicken: 7 Healthy Tikki Options To Try For Breakfast

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and there is every reason to believe that it is true. A well-balanced breakfast can provide the necessary energy and nutrients to start your day on a healthy and satisfying note while making your dull mornings brighter. And tikkis for breakfast might be a surprising addition, as it is usually a fried snack that is usually enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. But here, they can be transformed into a healthy and satisfying breakfast option as well.

Instead of the regular methods – that is deep or shallow frying the tikkis, you can actually grill, air fry or cook the tikkis with light ghee on a tawa to make them healthy. Slight changes in cooking techniques go a long way! They are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and, most of the time, easy to make.

Quinoa and Black Bean Tikki:

Recipe - recipes tried and true

Quinoa and black bean tikkis are wonderful sources of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates. To prepare them, cook quinoa and black beans, mash them together, and add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Season with spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander. Form the mixture into small patties and lightly pan-fry them until they're golden brown. These tikkis are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy and hearty breakfast. Try using these tikkis for making a healthy multi-grain roll for a filling choice.

Oat and Vegetable Tikki: 

For a wholesome, low-calorie breakfast option, consider making oat and vegetable tikkis. Mix rolled oats with grated vegetables like carrots, green beans, and spinach. Season with herbs and spices like oregano and black pepper. The oats provide fibre, while the vegetables offer vitamins and antioxidants. Pan-fry the tikkis until they're crisp on the outside. Serve with curd or fresh tomato salsa for a balanced morning meal.  

Chickpea Tikki: 

Recipe - Skinny Recipes

Chickpeas, also known as chole in Hindi, are a powerhouse of nutrition. To make the tikkis healthier, swap potatoes for sweet potato. Mash cooked sweet potatoes and mix them with boiled chickpeas, fresh coriander leaves, and a hint of lemon juice. Shape them into cutlets or tikkis and lightly fry them with a few drops of ghee on the tava. 

These tikkis are rich in fibre, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates. You can add a dash of turmeric and cayenne pepper for colour, immunity, and a spicy kick. The chickpea tikkis are not only delicious but also highly filling, making them an ideal choice for a breakfast that keeps you full until lunch. They can also be stuffed in multi-grain buns to make healthy burgers.

Spinach and Paneer Tikki:

For those who prefer a vegetarian protein source, spinach and paneer tikkis are a healthy and tasty option you would love. Blanch fresh spinach and chop it finely. Mix it with crumbled cottage cheese or paneer, a touch of garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. 

The combination of spinach and cottage cheese provides protein, iron, and calcium. Pan-fry the tikkis in a little ghee until they are crispy and serve with a side of mint chutney. This breakfast option is not only nutritious, but also super tasty. These tikkis are a great way to include spinach in your kids’ diet too!  

Rajma Tikki:

Another protein-filled, vegetarian option, these kidney beans, or rajma tikkis, are one of the best ways to start your day on a healthy note. In a bowl, mash boiled rajma and add besan or chickpea flour to them. Now, add some spices like red chilli powder and channa masala to the mixture along with finely chopped onions and green chillies. Shape the batter into tikkis and shallow fry them in ghee or olive oil till they are cooked through. Serve with plain curd or mint and dhaniya chutney. They can be used to make healthy tortilla rolls too!

Chicken Tikki:

For those who prefer a non-vegetarian breakfast, chicken tikkis can be a great choice. Combine minced chicken with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cumin for flavour. Shape the mixture into tikkis and grill or pan-fry them. You can use air-fryers too! These tikkis are a good source of lean protein and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Pair them with a curd-based dip or a green salad for a balanced and delicious breakfast. You can also make healthy sandwiches with chicken tikki using multi-grain bread.

Lentil and Beetroot Tikki:

Give your regular dal vadi a face-lift with this healthy dish. Lentil and beetroot tikkis are a nutritious and colourful addition to your breakfast. To make this kid-friendly recipe, cook masur lentils until tender and grate fresh beetroot. Combine these two main ingredients and add minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of garam masala. Shape the mixture into tikkis and shallow fry them. These tikkis are high in plant-based protein, iron, and antioxidants from beetroots. Serve them with fresh minty coriander chutney and enjoy!

Breakfast tikkis are a delicious and healthy way to start your day with a satisfying meal. Whether you prefer vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian options, there are numerous possibilities to explore. The tikkis listed above are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a balanced breakfast option. Experiment with different ingredients, spices, and seasonings to create tikkis that suit your taste.