Congress Buns Recipe – A Flavorful Snack from South Karnataka
Description:
Congress Buns is a delightful and classic snack that originated from V.B. Bakery in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This creation has become a popular part of South Karnataka’s street food scene, offering a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Originally created by a family-owned bakery, these buns are a satisfying treat, often enjoyed as an appetizer or evening snack, paired wonderfully with a hot cup of masala chai. These buns are packed with a vibrant combination of fresh chutney, crunchy peanuts, and vegetables, making them irresistible.
Cuisine: South Karnataka
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Buns:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Burger Buns (or Masala Buns) | 4 Buns |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, grated |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs, chopped |
For the Congress Peanuts:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1 cup, toasted |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Masala
To begin with the Congress Buns, we will first prepare the flavorful peanut masala. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil heats up, add the curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Immediately sprinkle in the turmeric powder and red chili powder, and toss the mixture for a few seconds to release the spices’ aroma. Add the toasted raw peanuts, salt, and black pepper powder, and continue tossing to ensure that the peanuts are well-coated with the spices. Let the mixture cool, then using your hands, mix the curry leaves into small pieces, and ensure the masala is evenly distributed throughout the peanuts. Set the peanut masala aside for later use.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
Take your burger buns or masala buns and cut them in half. Heat a tawa (griddle) and add a little butter. Once the butter melts, place the buns on the tawa and toast them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step adds a lovely crunch to the buns, making them the perfect base for the assembly of the Congress Buns.
Step 3: Assemble the Congress Buns
To assemble, start by spreading the vibrant green chutney (a mixture of coriander and mint) generously on the toasted sides of the buns. Next, spoon the prepared peanut masala onto the bottom half of the bun. Then, layer on the grated carrot and thinly sliced onion. Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped coriander leaves over the top to add a burst of freshness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious Congress Buns are now ready to be served! These buns are best enjoyed immediately after assembling. You can serve them as a fun and tasty snack for kids after school, as a party appetizer, or alongside a hot cup of masala chai for a perfect evening snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 kcal per bun |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Tips for the Perfect Congress Buns:
- Customize the Chutney: You can adjust the level of spice in the green chutney according to your taste preferences. Adding a bit of lemon juice will enhance the tanginess of the chutney.
- Extra Crunch: For added crunch, you can also toast the buns in ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy extra heat, feel free to add more red chili powder or chopped green chilies to the peanut masala.
- Buns Option: While regular burger buns work fine, you can also use masala buns to elevate the flavor further, as they already come with a bit of spice.
Enjoy This South Karnataka Delicacy!
Congress Buns are a tasty, satisfying, and creative snack that highlights the rich flavors of South Karnataka cuisine. Whether you’re preparing them as a snack for children or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering, they are sure to be a hit. So, grab your buns and get ready to enjoy the delicious crunch and burst of flavors in each bite!
