Authentic South Indian Goli Baje Recipe for Delicious Snacks

Ingredients

1 cup All Purpose Flour (Maida)
2 tablespoons Semolina (Rava)
1/2 cup Yogurt (Curd)
1 Green Chili, finely chopped
1 inch Ginger, grated
10 Curry Leaves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
Salt, to taste
Oil, for deep frying

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine all purpose flour, semolina, yogurt, green chili, ginger, curry leaves, baking soda, and salt.
Mix well until you have a thick, smooth batter. If needed, add a little water.
Cover the bowl and allow the batter to rest for about 2-3 hours.
After the resting period, heat the oil for deep frying in a deep kadhai or frying pan.
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the Goli Baje until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Once cooked, remove the Goli Baje from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter.
Serve the Goli Baje hot, ideally with coconut chutney or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Tools for making

Large Bowl - Used to mix and combine the ingredients.
Deep Kadhai or Frying Pan - Used for deep frying the Goli Baje.
Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the fried Goli Baje from the hot oil.
Paper Towel - Used to drain excess oil from the fried Goli Baje.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
Add finely chopped onions and grated carrots to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Replace the yogurt with buttermilk for a tangier taste.
Add a pinch of turmeric powder and red chili powder to the batter for a spicier version.
Include finely chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves for an herby twist.
For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour (besan) instead of all-purpose flour.
Make a vegan version by using plant-based yogurt or coconut milk yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
Experiment with different spices like cumin, coriander, or fennel seeds to enhance the flavor.
Try shallow frying the Goli Baje in a pan with a little oil instead of deep frying for a lighter option.
Add grated coconut or coconut flakes to the batter for a tropical twist.

Recipe overview

Goli Baje, also known as Mangalore Bajji or Mysore Bonda, is a popular snack from the Indian state of Karnataka. These deep-fried fritters are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor from green chilies, ginger, and curry leaves. Featuring a smooth, yogurt-based batter, Goli Baje is a delightful treat that's perfect for an evening snack or a starter dish. The recipe is quite straightforward—you simply mix all the ingredients, let the batter rest, and then fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden brown. Best served hot, Goli Baje pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the process of making this traditional Indian delicacy and the delicious result.

Common questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? No, it is recommended to use all-purpose flour (maida) for this recipe to achieve the perfect texture and taste of Goli Baje.
How long should I rest the batter? It is best to rest the batter for about 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Can I make the batter in advance? Yes, you can make the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before deep frying.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying? The oil should be heated to a medium-high temperature of around 350°F (180°C) for deep frying the Goli Baje.
How do I know when the Goli Baje are cooked? The Goli Baje should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center – if it comes out clean, they are cooked.
Can I bake the Goli Baje instead of deep frying? Traditionally, Goli Baje is deep-fried for the best taste and texture. Baking may alter the texture and result in a different outcome.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
Deep Kadhai or Frying Pan - A deep cooking vessel for deep frying the Goli Baje.
Slotted Spoon - A utensil with slots or holes to remove the fried Goli Baje from the oil.
Paper Towels - To absorb excess oil from the fried Goli Baje.

Origin stories

Goli Baje, also known as Mangalore Bajji or Mysore Bonda, is a popular snack that hails from the Mangalore region of Karnataka, India. These deep-fried dumplings are a much-loved delicacy, often savored during the monsoon season accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee. A unique aspect about Goli Baje is that unlike many Indian snacks, it doesn't have any specific religious or festive significance. It's a simple, everyday snack, enjoyed by people after a long day of work or as a quick bite on the go. So essentially, this is a snack that emerged from the heart of the common people, making it truly a food of the masses.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.