Correct us if we’re wrong, but when it comes to carbs, most of us would agree that potatoes usually top the list. Recently, Aishu Challa, a contestant on MasterChef USA, impressed the judges with her take on potato bonda (Aloo Bonda), served with coconut chutney and coriander-mint chutney.
Judges Gordon Ramsay, Tiffany Derry and Joe Bastianich taste and evaluate the dish. Pics courtesy/@aishueats
The dish even got a green signal from Gordon Ramsay and won her an immunity pin for the Asia-Pacific team. Inspired by the spotlight on the humble snack, this author reached out to Mumbai and Amalapuram-based chef Mounika Mattaparthi, who shares the recipe for the snack.
Aloo Bonda
Aloo Bonda with mint chutney. Pics courtesy/Mounika Mattaparthi
INGREDIENTS
For the filling
>> 4 boiled potatoes
>> 1 medium onion, finely chopped
>> 2 green chillies, chopped
>> 1 tsp mustard seeds
>> A few curry leaves
>> A few curry leaves
>> ½ tsp turmeric powder
>> Fresh coriander leaves
>> 1 tbsp oil
Mounika Mattaparthi
For the batter
>> 1½ cups besan (gram flour)
>> 2 tbsp rice flour
>> A pinch of bicarbonate of soda
>> Salt to taste
>> Water as required
METHOD
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. Add curry leaves, green chillies and onions. Cook until the onions soften. Add turmeric powder and mashed potatoes. Mix well and season with salt. Finish with chopped coriander leaves and allow the mixture to cool. Shape into small round balls.
In another bowl, prepare the batter using besan, rice flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda and water. The batter should not be too thin. Heat oil in a kadai. Dip each potato ball into the batter and gently place it into the hot oil. Fry on a medium flame until crisp and golden brown. Serve hot with coconut chutney, coriander chutney and enjoy it as a chai-time snack.
Eating out guide
The Tanjore Tiffin Room
At Opposite Smoke House Deli, Union Park, Pali Hill, Bandra West.
(Also at Versova and NESCO Goregaon)
Call 7303021212
Cost Rs 190
Pic courtesy/Girgaon Katta
Girgaon Katta
At Sai Leela Building, Swami Vivekanand Road, opposite Moksh Plaza, Borivli West.
Call 8652889911
Cost Rs 40
Banana Leaf
At Lido cinema, SNDT College, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu. (Also at Airoli, Chembur, Borivli, Matunga, Mulund, Malad, Lower Parel, Andheri, Ghatkopar, Seawoods Navi Mumbai, Kandivli, Mira Road) Call 8828848884
Cost Rs 150
Amma Snacks & Caterers
At 201, Eknath Buwa Hatiskar Marg, Hatiskar Wadi, Prabhadevi.
Call 9323212213
Cost Rs 40
Pic courtesy/Ramnath snacks
Ramnath Snacks
At Colaba Police Quarters, Apollo Bunder, Colaba Causeway, Colaba.
Call 22883668
Cost Rs 30
Ram Ashraya
Call At Shop 3-6 Ground Floor, Jamnadas Mansion, Laxmi Narayan Lane, Matunga.
Call 24102369
Cost Rs 50
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Anna’s – Proud to be South Indian
At Shop 2, Face 2, TMC Punarvasan, Near Lok Hospital, Vasant Vihar, Thane West.
Call 8828821597
Cost Rs 155
Geeta Fast Food Pure Veg
At 007, Maruti Darshan Society, IIT Bombay Main Gate, Powai.
Call 9930441304
Cost Rs 110
Mani’s Lunch Home
At Ground Floor, Garodia Market, opposite Savla Hospital, DK Sandu Marg Chembur.
Call 25200201
Cost Rs 50
