Diwali Sweets

Kara Boondi Recipe

"Delightful Kara Boondi Recipe: A Spicy Tea Time Snack for Rainy Days!"

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Kara Boondi, a beloved tea time snack that captures the essence of the rainy monsoon season in India. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these crispy and spicy balls, complete with tantalizing photos and an informative video. With the added richness of fried cashews and peanuts, Kara Boondi promises a burst of flavors in every bite, making it the ideal quick treat for any occasion. Plus, we'll share a bonus tip on how to elevate your culinary experience by turning this snack into a delightful Boondi Raitha dish!

What Is Kara Boondi Recipe?

Kara Boondi is a popular Indian snack made with besan flour (gram flour), rice flour, and a variety of spices and seasonings. The combination of these succulent main ingredients with Indian spices creates a delicious and crispy snack that is perfect for any occasion.
The recipe involves frying a batter made from besan flour, rice flour, and a mix of spices in hot oil, creating small, crispy boondi. These crispy boondi are then mixed with fried cashews, peanuts, curry leaves, and garlic, along with additional spices, to add flavor and texture. The result is a delightful savory snack that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
The unique seasoning and combination of flavors make Kara Boondi a favorite snack across India, perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or as an appetizer at parties. This recipe is easy to make and is a great way to add some Indian flavors to your snack repertoire.

Why You'll Love Kara Boondi Recipe?

Crunchy Texture: One of the best things about this Kara Boondi recipe is its satisfyingly crunchy texture. The crispy boondi combined with the crunchy cashews and peanuts creates an irresistible snacking experience.
Health Benefits: Besan (gram flour) is high in protein and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the addition of garlic and curry leaves not only adds flavor but also provides various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Perfect Snack Anytime: Whether you need a quick snack for tea time or a party appetizer, Kara Boondi is the perfect option. It's easy to make a large batch and have it ready whenever hunger strikes.
Customizable Spices: You have the flexibility to adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference. The combination of red chili powder and asafoetida adds a flavorful kick to the boondi.
Traditional Indian Snack: Kara Boondi is a beloved Indian snack that has been enjoyed for generations. By making it at home, you can indulge in a classic treat with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Versatile Use: This recipe can be used in various ways, from munching as a snack on its own to using it as a topping for chaats or in raita. Its versatility makes it a must-have in any kitchen.

Ingredients for Kara Boondi Recipe

Besan flour: Also known as gram flour, it is the main ingredient for making boondi, providing a nutty and earthy flavor to the snack.
Rice flour: Adds a crispy texture to the boondi, making it light and crunchy.
Asafoetida powder: Infuses a unique and pungent flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the boondi.
Red chilli powder: Adds heat and spice to the boondi, giving it a flavorful kick.
Baking soda: Helps in making the boondi light and airy, ensuring a perfect texture.
Salt: A necessary ingredient for flavor enhancement, balancing the overall taste of the boondi.

How To Make Kara Boondi Recipe?

Kara Boondi is a popular crispy and spicy Indian snack that is perfect for tea time or as a tasty munch. Here's a simple recipe for making delicious Kara Boondi at home.

Start by sieving gram flour in a bowl and then add rice flour, salt, baking soda, asafoetida, and red chilli powder. It's important to ensure that the batter becomes smooth and has the right consistency, so mix it well until it becomes slightly thick.
Next, heat a wide pan with enough oil over low to medium heat. When the oil is hot, pour a ladleful of batter over a boondi karandi or perforated ladle and gently tap the ladle to let the batter fall drop by drop into the oil. Fry the boondi until they are crisp and golden, ensuring that they become crispy by frying them for a few more seconds after the oil stops sizzling.
After frying, drain the excess oil from the boondi by placing them on a clean kitchen towel. It's important to wipe off the ladle with a cloth for each batch to maintain the quality of the boondi.
In a separate pan, deep fry cashews until golden and then add curry leaves until they become crisp. Additionally, fry crushed garlic until it becomes light browned and then add it to the boondi mixture. Add peanuts and fry them until they are crisp, then drain and add them to the boondi mixture. Finally, season the boondi with red chilli powder, asfoetida powder, and salt and mix well.

Your flavorful and spicy Kara Boondi is ready to enjoy!

By following these key steps, you can create a delicious and crunchy Kara Boondi that's perfect for snacking. Enjoy your homemade snack with a cup of tea or share it with family and friends for a flavorful experience!

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Masala Chai: Kara Boondi makes a perfect snack to accompany a hot cup of Masala Chai, especially during the monsoon season or cold evenings.
Serve with Coconut Chutney: For a South Indian twist, serve Kara Boondi with a side of coconut chutney. The combination of the spicy boondi with the creamy, coconut flavor is a delightful treat.
Create a Chaat: Turn Kara Boondi into a flavorful chaat by adding chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a drizzle of tamarind chutney. This makes for a delicious and unique snack.
Add to Chivda Mixture: Incorporate Kara Boondi into a homemade chivda mixture along with other savory snacks like sev, peanuts, and fried lentils for a crunchy and flavorful mix.
Serve with Yogurt: Enjoy Kara Boondi with a side of creamy yogurt. The combination of spicy boondi with the coolness of yogurt creates a satisfying contrast in flavors and textures.
Accompany with Fresh Fruits: For a healthy twist, serve Kara Boondi with a side of fresh fruits like grapes, sliced apples, or pomegranate seeds. The sweetness of the fruits balances out the spiciness of the boondi.

Tips for Making Spicy Kara Boondi

Preparation Duration: The preparation for the spicy kara boondi recipe is relatively quick and simple. It should take about 10-15 minutes to prepare the batter and another 15-20 minutes to fry the boondis in batches.
Cooking Techniques: When frying the boondis, it's important to ensure that the oil is at the right temperature - not too hot or too cold. Fry the boondis till they are crisp and golden to achieve the perfect texture.
Garnishing for Presentation: To enhance the presentation and flavor of the spicy kara boondi, make sure to garnish it with fried cashews, crispy curry leaves, and roasted peanuts. The addition of these garnishes adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the dish.
Batch Frying: When frying the boondis, make sure to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help in achieving perfectly crisp and golden boondis.
Seasoning: After frying the boondis, it's important to season them while they are still warm. This will allow the spices to adhere to the boondis, enhancing their flavor.
Storing: Store the spicy kara boondi in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. They can be stored for up to a week and make for a delicious snack or accompaniment to tea.

Following these tips will help you create a perfectly crispy, flavorful, and delicious spicy kara boondi to enjoy with your family and friends!

Variations for Kara Boondi Recipe

Flavor Variation: Experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of chat masala or garam masala to the batter for an extra punch of flavor.
Nut Variation: Instead of cashews and peanuts, try using almonds or pistachios for a different texture and taste.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili powder according to your preference.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like finely chopped cilantro or mint leaves into the batter for a refreshing twist.
Vegetable Addition: For added crunch and color, you can mix in finely chopped onion, carrots, or spinach to the batter.
Sweet and Savory Fusion: To create a unique sweet and savory version, sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar or chaat masala over the boondi before serving.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create your own customized kara boondi recipe and surprise your taste buds with a delightful twist!

How to Store Kara Boondi Recipe

Store in an airtight container: After preparing your spicy kara boondi, make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness and freshness.
Keep away from moisture: Moisture can cause the boondi to lose its crunchiness, so store it in a dry place to keep it fresh for a longer period.
Separate the cashews and peanuts: If you have any leftover boondi with cashews and peanuts, consider storing them separately to prevent the nuts from becoming soggy.
Use a resealable bag for individual portions: If you want to enjoy your kara boondi over several days, consider portioning it out into resealable bags to maintain its freshness.
Avoid exposure to sunlight: Sunlight can affect the flavor and texture of the boondi, so store it in a dark cupboard or pantry.
Consume within a few days for best taste and texture: Although properly stored kara boondi can last for a while, it's best to consume it within a few days to enjoy its full flavor and crunchiness.

Enjoy your homemade kara boondi by following these simple storage tricks to maintain its freshness!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I adjust the spiciness of the kara boondi?

You can adjust the spiciness of the kara boondi by adding more or less red chilli powder according to your taste preference. Start with the recommended amount and then adjust accordingly.

Can I make the kara boondi ahead of time and store it?

Yes, you can make kara boondi ahead of time and store it in an airtight container once it has cooled down completely. It stays fresh for a few days when stored properly.

What can I serve with the kara boondi?

Kara boondi makes for a delicious snack on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or as a crunchy topping for chaat or yogurt-based dishes.

Can I omit or substitute any of the ingredients in the kara boondi recipe?

While the listed ingredients are essential for the authentic flavor of kara boondi, you can omit or substitute the nuts or spices based on your dietary preferences or allergies. However, it may alter the traditional taste slightly.

How long does it take to fry the boondi until it becomes crisp and golden?

Frying the boondi till they are crisp and golden usually takes around 2-3 minutes. Make sure to fry them on low to medium heat to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Can I make the kara boondi without adding garlic?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip adding garlic to the kara boondi for a different flavor profile. However, garlic adds a unique taste and aroma to the dish.

Following these tips and adjustments will help you create a perfect batch of flavorful and crispy kara boondi every time.

Recipe Card

Kara Boondi Recipe 2020-07-22 03:35:58

Kara Boondi Recipe

Serving Size: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup Besan flour
2 tbsp Rice flour
1/4 tsp Asafoetida powder
1 tsp Red chilli powder
1/4 tsp Baking soda
to taste Salt
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp as needed Water
10 to 12 Cashews
1 handful Peanuts
few Curry leaves
4 to 5 Garlic pods
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Sieve gram flour in a bowl. Then add rice flour, salt, baking soda, asafoetida, and red chilli powder.
Also, add water, mix it well until the batter becomes smooth. The batter should be a little thick.
Meanwhile, heat a wide pan with enough oil over low to medium heat.
When the oil heats, hold a boondi karandi or a perforated ladle (ladle with holes) over the oil.
Then pour a ladleful of batter over the ladle and gently tap the ladle or spread it out to let the batter fall drop by drop into the oil.
Fry the boondi till they are crisp, turn them with a slotted ladle. Continue to fry till the boondis become crisp and golden.
After the oil stops sizzling, continue to fry the boondis for few more seconds so that they become crisp.
Take out the boondi on a clean kitchen towel to drain off the excess oil. Then wipe off the ladle with a cloth for each batch.
Deep fry cashews until golden then add curry leaves until crisp, drain in a tissue and set aside.
Meanwhile, Crush the garlic pods and then add that crushed garlic to the oil and fry till it becomes light browned.
Remove from the heat and add them to the boondi mixture.
Add peanuts and fry till crisp, drain and add to the boondi mixture.
Then add red chilli powder, asafoetida powder, and salt and give a good mix.
Your spicy kara boondi is now ready to eat. Enjoy!

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Sieve gram flour in a bowl. Then add rice flour, salt, baking soda, asafoetida,
and red chili powder.

Also, add water, mix it well until the batter becomes smooth.

The batter should be a little thick.

Meanwhile, heat a wide pan with enough oil over low to medium heat.
When the oil heats, hold a boondi karandi or a perforated ladle
(ladle with holes) over the oil. Then pour a ladleful of batter
over the ladle and gently tap the ladle or spread it out to let
the batter fall drop by drop into the oil. Fry the boondi till they are crisp,
turn them with a slotted ladle. Continue to fry till the boondis
become crisp and golden. After the oil stops sizzling,
continue to fry the boondis for few more seconds so that they become crisp.

Take out the boondi on a clean kitchen towel to drain off the excess oil.
Then wipe off the ladle with a cloth for each batch. Do this process for
the remaining batter as well.