METHOD TO PREPARE

Prepare the queso:

In a large sauce pan, add butter. Heat over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted, lower the heat to medium-low and add flour. Stir continuously to cook the flour for about a minute or two.

Slowly add in the milk. Ensure you keep stirring to prevent the flour from forming lumps; the sauce has to be smooth and lump-free. In the event it does clump, keep stirring, and it will loosen up and the sauce will eventually become smooth.

Next, add in the spices, turmeric, and all the seasoning.  And stir till it is well combined. Add in the cheddar cheese and stir till the sauce is smooth and golden yellow and coats the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some more milk.

Remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Prepare the Salsa:

Toss all the salsa elements in a small bowl and set aside.

Fry the Tikki:

Fry, bake, or air-fry the aloo tikkis as per the package instructions.

Assemble:

Arrange about half the tikkis on a large platter. Drizzle over the queso and top with salsa. Repeat to form another layer. Arrange another layer of tikki, pour over queso and salsa. Garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.

Please Note:

Queso and salsa can be made a day ahead. Just thin out the queso with milk and pour over the tikkis just before serving.