Sweet Boondi / Meethi Boondi Recipe

Sweet Boondi, also known as Meethi Boondi, is a traditional Indian dessert that delights the senses with its sweet, syrupy flavor and delightful crunch. This popular treat is often served during festivals and celebrations, embodying the essence of Indian sweets with its colorful appearance and mouthwatering taste. Below, you will find a detailed recipe for preparing Sweet Boondi, along with all the necessary ingredients, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cooking process.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 80 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 110 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Indian
• Course: Dessert
• Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

To prepare the Sweet Boondi / Meethi Boondi, begin by sifting the gram flour (besan) in a fine sieve to ensure a smooth batter without lumps. In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted gram flour with a pinch of baking soda and gradually add in 1/2 cup of water, mixing until you achieve a batter that is slightly thick yet a bit thinner than the batter used for traditional bajjis.

For those who wish to add a touch of color to their boondi, take a generous ladle full of batter and transfer it into a small bowl. To this small bowl, incorporate the orange food color, stirring well to ensure an even distribution. In the main bowl containing the remaining batter, add the yellow food color and mix until fully blended. Remember, these color additions are entirely optional and can be skipped if you prefer a classic appearance.

To fry the boondi, you will need two slotted ladles—one for forming the boondi and another for draining the excess oil. Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan until it reaches a moderately hot temperature. To test the oil, drop a pea-sized amount of batter into the oil; if it rises to the surface quickly without changing color, your oil is ready for frying.

Now, hold one of the slotted ladles just above the hot oil—neither too low nor too high. Using the other ladle, pour a ladleful of the batter onto the slotted ladle. With a gentle, circular motion using the back of the ladle, spread the batter, allowing it to fall in small drops into the hot oil. Fry the boondi until they turn a light golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture. Carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining batter until all the boondi is fried.

Next, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil until it reaches a one-string consistency, which can be tested by taking a drop of syrup between your fingers; it should form a single thread when pulled apart. Once the syrup is ready, stir in a pinch of cardamom powder for flavor.

Gently add the fried yellow and orange boondi into the warm sugar syrup, carefully tossing them to ensure every piece is well-coated with the syrup. Allow this mixture to rest for 1-2 hours, giving the boondi time to absorb the syrup and allowing the sugar to crystallize, resulting in a wonderfully sweet and slightly chewy treat.

Once the Sweet Boondi has set and the sugar syrup has been absorbed, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Serve your Sweet Boondi as a delightful sweet munch after meals or during special occasions, allowing your guests to savor the joy of this traditional Indian dessert.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet Boondi / Meethi Boondi, a perfect blend of flavor and texture that is sure to please everyone at your table!