Boondi facts for kids
![]() Boondi Mithai
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Alternative names | Buniya, Bonde, Bundi |
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Course | Dessert |
Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
Region or state | Odisha, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar |
Main ingredients | Gram flour, Sugar |
Variations | Khara or Kara |
Boondi is a popular Indian snack. It is made from tiny, fried drops of chickpea flour. You can find boondi in two main forms: a salty snack or a sweet dessert.
This tasty treat is known by different names in various places. For example, in Sindh, people call it Nukti. In Nepal, it's often called Buniya.
How Boondi is Made
Making boondi involves a few simple steps. First, chickpea flour is mixed with baking powder and a pinch of turmeric. This creates a smooth batter.
Next, small drops of this batter are poured through a special slotted spoon. They fall into hot oil and are deep-fried until crispy.
For sweet boondi, these fried drops are then soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. Sometimes, crushed curry leaves are added for extra flavor. This sweet version is often eaten by itself.
For savory boondi, also known as Khara boondi, it's seasoned with salt and spices. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into other snacks like Indian snack mixes.
Different Ways to Enjoy Boondi
Boondi is very versatile and used in many dishes.
Boondi Raita
In North India, Boondi raita is a very popular side dish. It's made with plain yogurt mixed with soft boondi. To make the boondi soft, it's first soaked in water and then drained. Salt, chilli powder, and other spices are added to the raita. People often eat boondi raita with pulao or other main meals.
Boondi Laddu
Another famous sweet treat is the Boondi laddu. To make this, the fried boondi is dipped in sugar syrup. While still warm and sticky, it's pressed and shaped into a round ball. Boondi laddus are often decorated with nuts and raisins, making them a delicious and festive dessert.