Healthy Pan-Fried Mysore Bonda Recipe
Light, Crispy, and Full of Flavor!
If you’ve ever visited Karnataka, you might have tasted the crispy and delicious Mysore Bonda, a famous South Indian snack often served with coconut chutney. Traditionally deep-fried, we’ve reimagined this recipe by pan-frying it, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on the authentic taste. This pan-fried Mysore Bonda is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and flavored with the perfect balance of spices and fresh coconut. Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, this dish will quickly become a family favorite for snacks or as an appetizer at any gathering.
Mysore Bonda Recipe: A Healthier Twist
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Whole) | 1 cup |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (coarsely pounded) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch |
| Sunflower Oil (for pan frying) | For greasing |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Soak the Dal: Start by soaking the white urad dal in water for about 2 hours. This allows the dal to soften, making it easier to grind and form a smooth batter for the bonda.
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Prepare the Ingredients: While the dal is soaking, gather the remaining ingredients. Finely chop the green chili, grate the fresh coconut, and wash the coriander leaves.
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Grind the Dal: After 2 hours, drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the finely chopped green chili, and a very small amount of water to help blend. Grind until you achieve a smooth yet thick batter (similar to the consistency of a thick pancake batter). The key here is to avoid adding too much water, as the batter needs to hold shape.
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Mix the Batter: Transfer the ground dal mixture into a large mixing bowl. To this, add the coarsely pounded black peppercorns, asafoetida (hing), salt, and the chopped fresh coriander leaves. Stir well to combine. Taste the batter and adjust the salt if necessary.
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Prepare the Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan: Heat the Kuzhi Paniyaram pan (also known as an appe pan) on medium heat. Add about 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil into each of the cavities to ensure the bondas cook evenly and do not stick to the pan.
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Fill the Pan: Spoon the Mysore Bonda batter into each cavity of the paniyaram pan, filling each one about three-quarters full. This ensures that the bondas have enough room to rise and cook through.
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Cook the Bondas: Cover the paniyaram pan with a lid and allow the batter to steam and cook through. You’ll notice that the tops of the bondas will firm up and become slightly dry. This indicates that the bondas are ready for flipping.
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Flip and Pan-Fry: Once the top has set, uncover the pan and flip the bondas to cook on the other side. The goal is to make them crispy and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can add a little more oil at this stage.
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Final Fry: Let the bondas cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are golden brown and crisp. If necessary, flip once more for even browning.
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Serve: Once the bondas are cooked to a crispy golden brown, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve your Mysore Bonda hot with a side of coconut chutney and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It makes for the perfect evening snack or appetizer!
Pro Tips:
- Batter Consistency: Ensure the batter isn’t too runny or too thick. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but not dry. Adjust the water accordingly when grinding the dal.
- Crispiness: For extra crispiness, feel free to add a little more oil while pan-frying the bondas, but be careful not to use too much.
- Chutney Pairing: This Mysore Bonda pairs beautifully with a refreshing coconut chutney or a tangy tamarind chutney for a complete snack experience.
Enjoy the crispy and light Mysore Bonda without the guilt of deep frying! This healthier version will surely impress your family and friends, offering all the authentic flavors in a new, healthier way. Perfect for a tea-time snack, appetizer, or as part of a festive spread, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
