Sanna (dish) facts for kids
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Sannas
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| Place of origin | India |
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| Region or state | Konkan division, Goa, Damaon& Canara |
| Similar dishes | White sugar sponge cake |
A sanna (Konkani: सान्नां) is a soft, spongy, and tasty dumpling from the western coast of India. It's made from rice and coconut, and it's cooked by steaming. Sannas are very popular in places like Goa, Mangalore, and Mumbai. Many people from the Konkan region enjoy them, including both Goan Hindus and Goan Christians.
Contents
How Sannas Are Made
Sannas are special because of how they are prepared.
Ingredients and Fermentation
The main ingredients are rice and coconut. For Hindus, the batter often includes urad dal (a type of lentil) and coconut water or milk. These ingredients are left to ferment, which means they sit for a while to become bubbly and light. This process makes the sannas soft and spongy.
Catholic sannas can be made in two ways. One way uses toddy, which is a sweet sap from coconut palm flowers. The other way uses the sap directly from the coconut palm. Both types of sannas use specific kinds of rice. Unlike idlis, which often use urad dal for fermentation, sannas commonly use coconut.
Sweet Sannas
Sometimes, a sweet version of sanna is made. This is called godachi sanna (Konkani: गोडाची सान्नां, goddachee sanna). It gets its sweetness from jaggery, which is a type of unrefined sugar.
When Sannas Are Eaten
Sannas are often made for special occasions and celebrations.
Hindu Celebrations
Hindu families often prepare sannas for festivals. These include Ganesh Chaturthi, Sonsar Padvo/Yugadi, and Makar Sankranti.
Christian Celebrations
Catholic families usually make sannas for important church events. They are also popular at christenings and weddings.
How to Enjoy Sannas
Sannas are a versatile dish that can be eaten with many different foods.
With Curries
In Mangalorean Catholic cuisine, sannas are a must-have for special meals. They are often served with bafat, which is a spicy pork curry. This curry is made with a mix of ground spices. Sannas also go well with chicken or mutton curries.
For Breakfast
For breakfast, sannas can be enjoyed in a simpler way. They are delicious with coconut chutney or saambhar. Another popular way to eat them is with coconut milk that has been sweetened with jaggery and flavored with cardamom.
Sannas Today
Making traditional sannas can be a bit challenging now. It's sometimes hard to find toddy in certain areas. Also, getting fresh coconut milk can be a long and difficult process. Because of this, sannas have become a special treat. They are often made only during big celebrations in the Konkan region. Sometimes, people use idlis made with yeast as a substitute.
See also
In Spanish: Sanna para niños
