Nadur Monji facts for kids

Nadur Monji, sometimes called Nadir Monji, is a delicious fried snack. It's a type of fritter made from lotus stems and a special flour called gram flour. This popular treat started in Kashmir, a beautiful region in India. Today, you can find Nadur Monji enjoyed all across South Asia.

What is Nadur Monji?

Nadur Monji is a crunchy and savory snack. It's often eaten as a quick bite or an appetizer before a meal. The main ingredient, the lotus stem, gives it a unique texture. When fried, it becomes wonderfully crisp.

How is Nadur Monji Made?

Making Nadur Monji starts with fresh lotus roots. These roots are carefully cleaned and cut into long, thin strips. The strips are then mixed with a batter. This batter usually includes rice flour, salt, and Red chilli powder for a bit of spice. Other spices like caraway seeds and thyme powder might also be added.

Once coated, the lotus stem pieces are deep-fried. They are cooked in a large, round pan called a kadai. The frying continues until they turn golden-brown and become super crispy.

What Ingredients are Used?

The main ingredients for Nadur Monji are:

• Lotus root (the stem of the lotus flower)
• Gram flour (a flour made from chickpeas)
• Rice flour
• Salt
• Red chilli powder

Sometimes, other spices like caraway seeds or Thyme powder are included. You might also find variations with cayenne pepper or chili pepper for extra heat.

How to Enjoy Nadur Monji

Nadur Monji is best served hot and fresh. It's often enjoyed as a quick snack during the day. In Kashmir, it's a very popular street food. You can find vendors selling these crispy fritters on the streets. They are also a common fast food item. Many people like to eat Nadur Monji with a side of chutney. Chutney is a flavorful sauce that adds even more taste to this crunchy snack.