Karnataka Style Bonda Soup: A Delightful Urad Dal Fritters in Spicy Dal Soup
Introduction
Karnataka Style Bonda Soup is a heartwarming, traditional South Indian breakfast dish that combines crispy, golden Urad Dal fritters (Bonda) served in a flavorful and spicy yellow dal soup. This recipe is a perfect way to start your day, offering a blend of textures and tastes that are both satisfying and nutritious. Whether youโre looking for a cozy morning meal or a flavorful treat to impress guests, this Bonda Soup is sure to become a family favorite. The crispy fritters paired with the rich, spiced dal soup create a perfect harmony of flavors and are ideal when served with a cup of hot tea.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Karnataka (South Indian)
- Course: Breakfast
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 210 minutes (Prep: 150 minutes, Cook: 60 minutes)
Ingredients
For the Urad Dal Fritters (Bonda)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 cup, soaked in water for 2 hours (or overnight) |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig, chopped |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For frying |
For the Spicy Dal Soup
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For cooking |
| Water | As required |
| Coriander Leaves | For garnish |
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Urad Dal Fritter Batter
-
Soak the Urad Dal: Begin by soaking the White Urad Dal (split) in water for 2 hours or, for convenience, soak it the previous night.
-
Grind the Dal: Drain the soaked urad dal and grind it into a smooth paste using a mixer. Add 1/4 cup of water during grinding to help achieve a smooth consistency.
-
Mix the Ingredients: Once the dal is ground, add the chopped green chili, curry leaves, black pepper, grated coconut, baking soda, and salt to the paste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to form a thick batter.
Step 2: Fry the Bonda (Urad Dal Fritters)
-
Prepare the Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan: Heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan and drizzle a little sunflower oil into each of the hollows.
-
Cook the Bondas: Once the pan is heated, add a tablespoon of the prepared batter into each hollow and cook on both sides for about 8-10 minutes until the fritters turn golden brown and crispy. Keep them aside once cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Dal Soup
-
Cook the Moong Dal: Pressure cook the Yellow Moong Dal with turmeric, salt, and enough water to cover it. Cook for about 4 whistles, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Once done, open the lid and mash the dal into a creamy consistency.
-
Temper the Spices: Heat a saucepan on medium heat and add some sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, crackle the cumin seeds (jeera) along with a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
-
Sautรฉ Vegetables: Add the chopped ginger, tomato, and green chili to the pan. Sautรฉ the mixture for about 2 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the spices release their fragrance.
-
Combine the Dal Soup: Add the mashed moong dal to the pan along with 1 cup of water, and stir to achieve a thin, soupy consistency. Add salt, pepper, and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Bonda Soup
-
Assemble the Dish: To serve, place the crispy Urad Dal Bondas in a cup or bowl.
-
Pour the Soup: Pour the hot, spicy dal soup over the bondas, ensuring they are well soaked with the flavorful broth.
-
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the soup with a few more fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
Karnataka Style Bonda Soup is best served as a one-pot breakfast meal. The combination of crispy fritters and a warm, spiced dal soup is the perfect start to a busy day. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and filling morning meal. You can also serve this dish at any casual gathering or weekend brunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Potassium | 550 mg |
| Vitamin C | 18% of DV |
| Iron | 12% of DV |
Tips and Variations
- Vegan Option: To make the soup vegan, ensure the fritters are cooked using oil, and avoid any dairy-based toppings.
- Add Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like carrots or spinach to the soup to make it even more nutritious.
- Batter Consistency: If the batter feels too thick, add a little more water to get a smoother consistency, but ensure it is thick enough to form fritters.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the amount of green chili and black pepper in the fritter batter or dal soup to suit your spice preference.
Conclusion
Karnataka Style Bonda Soup is a unique and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of South India. The crispy, golden Urad Dal fritters soaked in the spicy and flavorful dal soup create an unforgettable breakfast experience. Perfect for those who love rich, comforting foods, this recipe is both filling and delicious, making it a delightful meal to enjoy on any day. Whether itโs for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, this Karnataka specialty will leave you craving more.
