Cheese Stuffed Aloo Bonda Recipe
Description:
The Cheese Stuffed Aloo Bonda is an irresistible twist on the traditional South Indian Aloo Bonda. This popular tea-time snack, often made during festivals or special occasions, is enhanced with gooey mozzarella cheese stuffed inside the spiced potato filling. The result is a crispy, golden exterior with a deliciously cheesy center that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it with a side of spicy chutney or enjoy it as a comforting snack, this version of Aloo Bonda is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Potato Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled and mashed | 4 medium-sized |
| Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch pieces | 50 grams |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1-inch piece |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Green chilies, chopped | 2 pieces |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves, chopped | A small bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for cooking) | As needed for sautéing and greasing |
For the Bonda Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 Bondas
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Once they pop, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and light golden brown.
- Add the grated ginger, chopped green chilies, asafoetida, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Sauté the mixture for another minute to allow the flavors to combine.
- Next, add the mashed potatoes and stir them into the spiced onion mixture. Toss in the fresh coriander leaves and combine everything thoroughly. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
-
Shape the Bondas:
- Once the potato mixture has cooled, divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Flatten each portion of the potato mixture in the palm of your hand, and place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center. Gently fold the edges around the cheese to seal it inside, and shape it into a smooth, round ball. Repeat with the remaining portions.
-
Make the Bonda Batter:
- In a separate bowl, combine the gram flour, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while mixing, until you have a thick batter that can coat the back of a spoon. Whisk the batter well to ensure it is smooth and light.
-
Cook the Bondas:
- Preheat a kuzhi paniyaram pan (a specialized pan with deep cavities) over medium heat. Drizzle a few drops of oil into each cavity.
- Dip each cheese-stuffed potato ball into the gram flour batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then carefully place it in the hot cavities of the pan.
- Cover the pan and allow the bondas to cook and steam for a few minutes. Once the batter sets and turns golden brown on the bottom, flip the bondas to cook all sides until they are crispy and golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Once the Cheese Stuffed Aloo Bondas are golden brown and crispy on all sides, transfer them to a plate lined with oil-absorbing paper.
- Serve these delightful bondas hot with a side of spicy coconut chutney or tangy green chutney. For a true South Indian experience, enjoy them with a steaming cup of filter coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Stuffed Aloo Bonda:
- For an extra kick, you can increase the number of green chilies or add finely chopped ginger into the filling.
- If you prefer a deep-fried version, you can use the same batter and fry the bondas in hot oil until golden brown instead of steaming them in the kuzhi paniyaram pan.
- You can also experiment with other types of cheese, like cheddar, for a different flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
This Cheese Stuffed Aloo Bonda is a delicious, cheesy twist on a traditional favorite. The crispy, golden crust and soft, spiced potato center with melting mozzarella will have your guests asking for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or just a simple tea-time snack, this recipe will always hit the spot.
