How to Prepare Bonda: A Delectable Indian Snack
Bonda is a popular Indian snack that is known for its crispy outer shell and soft, savory center. Made from rice and lentils, this delicious treat is perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a festive celebration. In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing bonda, ensuring that you can enjoy this delightful snack at home.
Ingredients:
To prepare bonda, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup rice
– 1/2 cup urad dal (split black gram)
– 1/2 cup moong dal (split green gram)
– 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– Salt to taste
– Water as needed
– For the filling:
– 1/2 cup grated coconut
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 1/2 cup green chili, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Instructions:
1. Soak the rice and lentils separately in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. After soaking, grind the rice and urad dal to a smooth paste, adding water as needed. Set this batter aside.
3. Similarly, grind the moong dal to a smooth paste, adding water as needed. Keep this batter separate from the urad dal batter.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the besan, baking soda, and salt. Add water gradually to form a smooth, thick batter.
5. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Add the grated coconut, carrot, green chili, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the mixture is well combined and the oil separates from the spices.
6. Add the cooked filling to the urad dal batter and mix well. Ensure that the mixture is of a dropping consistency.
7. In a non-stick pan, heat oil over medium flame. Take a small amount of the urad dal batter and drop it into the hot oil, shaping it into a ball.
8. Repeat the process, adding more batter to the oil as needed. Cook until the bondas are golden brown and crispy.
9. Once cooked, remove the bondas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
10. Serve the bondas hot with green chutney or sambar.
Enjoying Bonda with a Twist:
While the traditional bonda recipe is delicious, you can also experiment with different fillings to add a unique twist to this popular snack. Some popular variations include:
– Egg bonda: Add finely chopped eggs to the urad dal batter before frying.
– Cheese bonda: Mix grated cheese into the urad dal batter for a creamy, savory treat.
– Sweet bonda: Prepare a sweet filling with jaggery, cardamom powder, and nuts, and serve with a sweet chutney.
With this guide, you can now enjoy preparing bonda at home and impress your family and friends with this delightful Indian snack. Happy cooking!
