Sweet Boondi / Meethi Boondi Recipe: A Traditional Indian Delight
Sweet Boondi, also known as Meethi Boondi, is a classic Indian dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of sugar syrup with the crispiness of deep-fried gram flour (besan) droplets. These little golden orbs, soaked in a sugary syrup and flavored with cardamom, make for a delicious treat during festivals, especially as prasad (offering) or as a sweet snack to enjoy after meals. This homemade recipe, made with simple ingredients, is not only easy to prepare but also a delight for your taste buds.
In this recipe, the boondi is deep-fried in hot oil, then soaked in a rich sugar syrup. The addition of vibrant yellow and orange food colors makes the boondi visually appealing, though they can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional look. The end result is a perfect balance of crispy and soft textures with a burst of sweetness, making Sweet Boondi a beloved treat for many.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 pinch |
| Yellow food color (optional) | 1 pinch |
| Orange food color (optional) | 1 pinch |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Oil (for deep frying) | As needed |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time
80 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions for Preparing Sweet Boondi / Meethi Boondi
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Prepare the Batter:
- Start by sieving the gram flour (besan) using a sifter to ensure it is lump-free.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sieved gram flour, baking soda, and water. Stir until the batter forms a smooth, slightly thick consistency, similar to a slightly thinner bajji batter. This will be your base for the boondi.
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Optional Step – Add Food Colors:
- If you wish to color the boondi, take a small ladle full of batter and place it in a separate small bowl. Add a pinch of orange food color to this batch and mix well.
- In the main mixing bowl with the batter, add a pinch of yellow food color and mix thoroughly. This step is optional and can be skipped if you prefer plain boondi.
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Heat Oil for Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat. To test if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small pea-sized amount of batter into the oil. The batter should immediately rise to the surface without changing color.
- Once the oil is at the right temperature, you are ready to fry the boondi.
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Fry the Boondi:
- Use two slotted ladles for frying. One ladle will be used for pouring the batter, and the other for draining the fried boondi.
- Hold the first slotted ladle just above the oil (not too high, nor too low). Using a second ladle, pour a ladle full of batter over the slotted ladle, spreading it in a circular motion with the back of the ladle. This will cause the batter to fall in small drops into the hot oil, forming the boondi.
- Fry the boondi until it becomes lightly crispy. Do not overcook, as the boondi should remain delicate yet crunchy. Once done, drain the boondi on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter until all the boondi is fried.
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Make the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring it to a boil while stirring constantly. Let it simmer until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency (where a drop of syrup forms a single thread when pulled apart).
- Add a pinch of cardamom powder to the syrup and stir well. This will infuse the syrup with a lovely aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the boondi.
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Soak the Boondi in Sugar Syrup:
- Once the syrup is ready, gently add the fried yellow and orange boondi into the syrup. Toss them carefully to ensure the boondi is well coated in the syrup.
- Let the boondi absorb the syrup for 1-2 hours. During this time, the sugar syrup will crystallize, making the boondi tender and sweet.
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Serving:
- After the boondi has absorbed the syrup and is set, it’s ready to be served. Store the Sweet Boondi in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for a few days.
- Enjoy this delicious sweet after meals, or offer it as prasad during festivals and celebrations.
Allergen Information
- Gluten: The main ingredient, gram flour (besan), is gluten-free, making Sweet Boondi a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Dairy: This recipe does not contain any dairy, making it vegan-friendly and suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
- Nuts: The recipe does not contain nuts, so it is safe for individuals with nut allergies.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: Sweet Boondi is a vegetarian dessert as it contains no meat or animal-based products.
- Vegan: Since the recipe does not use dairy, it is also suitable for vegans.
- Gluten-Free: With gram flour being the primary ingredient, this dessert is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those avoiding gluten.
Tips and Advice
- Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying. If the oil is too hot, the boondi will burn quickly; if it’s too cold, the boondi will not crisp up properly.
- Food Coloring: While the food coloring adds a visually appealing touch to the boondi, it is optional. You can make traditional, plain boondi without any added colors.
- Storage: Store Sweet Boondi in an airtight container once it has cooled down. The sugar syrup will help keep the boondi moist for several days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
Sweet Boondi (Meethi Boondi) is a quintessential Indian dessert that can brighten any festive occasion. With its crispy texture and syrupy sweetness, it is sure to delight anyone who tastes it. Whether as a part of your festival offerings or as a post-meal treat, this recipe brings a deliciously satisfying end to any meal. Give this simple yet delightful recipe a try, and enjoy the authentic taste of India right in your own kitchen.
