Sweet Boondi is a delightful Indian dessert that has been enchanting taste buds for centuries. With its origins deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of India, this delectable treat holds a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts across the globe.

The recipe for Sweet Boondi has been passed down through generations, each adding their own unique touch to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Legend has it that Sweet Boondi was first created during the reign of the Mughal Empire, which spanned from the 16th to the 19th century. The Mughals, known for their love of all things opulent and indulgent, sought to create a dessert that would captivate both the eyes and the taste buds. And thus, Sweet Boondi was born.

The word “boondi” itself translates to “droplets” in Hindi, perfectly describing the small, round droplets of batter that are deep-fried to perfection. These golden spheres are then soaked in a luscious sugar syrup infused with fragrant cardamom and saffron, adding a touch of exoticism to this already heavenly dessert.

While Sweet Boondi may seem like a complex delicacy, it is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe requires a few basic ingredients such as gram flour (besan), ghee, sugar, and water. The real magic lies in the technique of creating the perfect boondis – achieving that delicate balance between crispy and soft, sweet and aromatic.

Sweet Boondi is a dessert that will surely impress your guests and leave them craving for more. Its vibrant colors, tantalizing aroma, and irresistible taste make it a true feast for the senses.

What Ingredients To Use

Gram Flour: Gram flour, also known as besan, is a versatile ingredient commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made from ground chickpeas and has a pale yellow color. Gram flour adds a unique nutty flavor and a slightly dense texture to dishes. In the sweet boondi recipe, gram flour serves as the base ingredient for the batter.

Baking Soda: Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a leavening agent commonly used in baking. It helps the batter to rise and become light and fluffy. In the sweet boondi recipe, baking soda is added to the gram flour batter to create a soft and airy texture in the boondi.

Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient in cooking that enhances the flavors of other ingredients. It adds a savory taste to dishes and helps balance the overall flavor profile. In the sweet boondi recipe, a pinch of salt is added to the batter to enhance the sweetness and provide a well-rounded taste.

Food Colouring: Food coloring is an optional ingredient used to add vibrant hues to dishes. It comes in various colors and can be liquid or powder form. In the sweet boondi recipe, food coloring is used to give the boondi its attractive and colorful appearance. It adds visual appeal to the dish, making it visually appealing and enticing.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When it comes to serving sweet boondi, there are several delicious options to consider. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or a snack, here are some serving suggestions and pairings that will complement the flavors of this delightful Indian sweet:

• Traditional Indian Thali: Sweet boondi is a popular addition to a traditional Indian thali, which typically includes a variety of dishes like rice, dal, vegetables, and bread. Serve a small portion of sweet boondi alongside the other items on the thali for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Ice Cream Topping: Add a generous sprinkle of sweet boondi on top of your favorite ice cream flavor. The crunchy texture and sweet taste of the boondi will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream.
• Fruit Salad: Sweet boondi can be a unique and tasty addition to a fruit salad. Combine fresh fruits like mangoes, bananas, grapes, and pomegranate seeds with a handful of sweet boondi for an interesting twist. The boondi will add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the salad.
• Milkshake Garnish: Prepare a delicious milkshake of your choice, such as mango or rose flavored. Before serving, garnish the milkshake with a small handful of sweet boondi. It will not only enhance the presentation but also provide a delightful surprise with every sip.
• Indian Sweets Platter: Create an enticing platter of various Indian sweets, including sweet boondi. Arrange different sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, and barfi on a decorative plate or tray. Sweet boondi will add a unique texture and flavor to the platter, making it visually appealing and irresistible.
• Tea Time Snack: Serve sweet boondi as a snack during tea time. Pair it with a hot cup of masala chai or any other tea of your choice. The combination of the sweet boondi and the aromatic tea will make for a delightful and comforting experience.

These serving suggestions and pairings will help you enjoy sweet boondi in various ways, whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious Indian sweet!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sweet Boondi?

Sweet Boondi is a popular Indian sweet made from chickpea flour (besan) batter. It consists of small, round droplets that are deep-fried until crispy and then soaked in a sugar syrup infused with cardamom and saffron.

How is Sweet Boondi made?

To make Sweet Boondi, a smooth batter is prepared by mixing chickpea flour, water, and a pinch of turmeric for color. This batter is then dropped into hot oil using a perforated spoon or ladle, forming small droplets.

Once the boondis turn golden and crispy, they are removed from the oil and immediately soaked in a warm sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and saffron. The soaked boondis are then drained and served.

Can I make Sweet Boondi at home?

Yes, Sweet Boondi can be made at home. However, it requires some practice to achieve the perfect round shape and texture. You will need a perforated spoon or a boondi ladle to drop the batter into hot oil. It is recommended to follow a reliable recipe and carefully follow the instructions for best results.

Is Sweet Boondi gluten-free?

Yes, Sweet Boondi is gluten-free as it is primarily made from chickpea flour (besan), which does not contain gluten. However, it is important to ensure that all the ingredients used in the batter and sugar syrup are gluten-free as well.

Can I store Sweet Boondi?

Yes, Sweet Boondi can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It is important to ensure that the boondis are completely dry and free from any moisture before storing to prevent them from becoming soft or sticky.

Can Sweet Boondi be served with any accompaniments?

Sweet Boondi is often enjoyed on its own as a standalone sweet. However, it can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a topping on desserts like kheer (rice pudding) or rabri (thickened sweetened milk). Some people also like to garnish it with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for added crunch and flavor.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Boondi Ladoo
• Mango Salsa
• Vanilla Custard
• Rooh Afza Milkshake
• Falooda

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Sweet Boondi

by Nabeela Kauser

Indulge in a delectable Indian treat bursting with a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch. This traditional recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 394 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Gram Flour
• ▢ 150 ml Water
• ▢ 1 pinch Baking Soda
• ▢ 1 pinch Salt
• ▢ 1 pinch Food Colouring of your choice
• ▢ Oil for frying

Sugar Syrup

• ▢ 200 g Sugar
• ▢ 150 ml Water
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, water, baking soda, salt, and food colouring. Mix well to form a smooth batter. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, pour a small portion of the batter over a perforated ladle or boondhi maker and gently tap to allow small droplets to fall into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on kitchen paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water for the syrup. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Add cardamom powder and lemon juice to the syrup and continue to simmer for a few more minutes until slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Dip the fried boondhis into the warm syrup, ensuring they are well coated.
• Allow the boondhis to soak in the syrup for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Adding food colouring to the flour mixture gives the boondhis a vibrant colour. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying to achieve crispy and evenly cooked boondhis.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 11gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 115mgPotassium: 429mgFibre: 5gSugar: 57gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Food, Indian, Indian Desserts, Indian Sweets, Mithai, Recipe, Sweet

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