Spiced Lentil-Stuffed Potato Cakes (Aloo Tikki)

1. Boil Potatoes

Take your 6 medium-sized potatoes and place them in a pot of boiling water. Allow them to cook until they are tender, which should take about 2 hours. Once they are done, drain the water and set the potatoes aside to cool slightly.

2. Cook Yellow Split Peas

While the potatoes are boiling, drain the yellow split peas that have been soaking overnight. Place the split peas in a pot with 3 cups of cold water and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook the peas until they are tender, which will take around 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them using a colander or strainer.

3. Prepare Filling

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the 5 fenugreek seeds and let them sizzle for about 5-10 seconds, just until they release their aroma. Quickly add the chopped onions and fry them until they turn golden, which should take about 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped Chinese parsley and the finely sliced green chili, if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the chili is fragrant. Add the cooked split peas to the skillet, stirring them into the mixture and letting everything cook together for another 5 minutes.

4. Mash Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and place them in a large bowl. Mash the potatoes thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps, and mix in 2 teaspoons of salt until evenly distributed.

5. Form Patties

Take a portion of the mashed potatoes and flatten it into a small disc in your hand. Place a spoonful of the split pea mixture in the center, then cover it with another portion of mashed potatoes, sealing the edges and flattening it gently to form a patty. Repeat this process until all the potatoes and filling are used.

6. Fry Patties

Heat a generous amount of oil in a griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook them for about 8-10 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden red crust.