Sri Lankan Boondi: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for deep frying

For the syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• A squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add water and mix to form a smooth batter. It should be thick but flowing. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter; if it rises immediately, the oil is ready.
4. Hold a perforated ladle or slotted spoon over the hot oil. Pour a ladleful of batter over the ladle and gently tap it to allow small droplets of batter to fall into the oil.
5. Fry the boondi until they are light golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
7. To make the syrup, heat sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
8. Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, and lime juice. Simmer for a few minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
9. Remove from heat and add the fried boondi to the syrup. Mix well to coat the boondi evenly.
10. Allow it to cool and then serve.

Srilankan Boondi FAQ's

1. What is boondi?

• Boondi is a popular Indian and Sri Lankan snack made from chickpea flour (besan). It is deep-fried and then mixed with syrup to make a sweet and crunchy treat.

2. Is boondi healthy?

• While boondi is delicious, it is deep-fried and often mixed with sugar syrup, so it is high in calories and not considered a healthy snack if consumed in large quantities. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

3. Can I make boondi without deep-frying?

• Traditional boondi is deep-fried to achieve its crispy texture. However, you can try baking or air-frying the boondi for a healthier alternative, although the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sri Lankan boondi is a delightful sweet and crunchy snack that can be enjoyed on its own or used in various recipes. While it is not considered a healthy snack due to its deep-fried nature and sugar content, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With its simple ingredients and delicious taste, Sri Lankan boondi is sure to be a hit among those who enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine or are looking to try something new and flavorful.

Consistency of Batter: The batter should be smooth and flowing, but not too runny. If it's too thick, the boondi will be hard; if it's too thin, the boondi will be flat.