A popular snack from Madhya Pradesh, central India, bafauri is a tribute to the creativity of Indian cooking. Made mostly from split chickpeas, or chana dal, this steaming treat is not only a culinary delight but also a healthy substitute for deep-fried treats. Food fans love bafauri because of its distinct texture, which is soft and spongy on the inside and slightly hard on the outside, as well as its flavourful spice blend.

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Choosing And Gathering The Ingredients

To prepare mouthwatering bafauri, one of the main ingredients is chana dal, which also adds protein and a nutty flavour. Vegetables are added to enhance taste and texture; some common options include finely chopped onions, chopped spinach, peas, and grated carrots. Spices like red chilli powder, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and salt are examples of basic spices. Adapt the amounts to your personal preference. For an aromatic touch, add some mint or fresh coriander leaves. A small amount of baking soda goes quite a way towards making the bafauri fluffy and light. These ingredients can easily be adjusted depending on an individual’s nutritional requirements or personal preferences to come up with a number of tasty dishes.

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Preparing The Batter

To begin, get the bafauri batter ready for steaming. Add about 2 cups of the soaked chana dal and grind it into a smooth paste with very little water. Add the required amount of herbs, spices, and veggies to the batter. To ensure that the vegetables mix properly with the batter, make sure they are finely chopped or shredded. Next, whisk the dry ingredients to prevent lumps while slowly adding water. A thick, smooth batter that maintains its structure without being overly runny is the aim. Give the batter a good 15 to 20 minutes to rest. After the batter has had time to settle, thoroughly whisk in one teaspoon of baking soda.

Steaming Of Bafauri

The bafauri should now be steamed. Set up your steamer or idli maker first. After filling the steamer with water, bring it to a boil. To avoid sticking, lightly coat the bowl or katori you're using for steaming with oil. Fill your greased moulds or steaming plate approximately three-quarters of the way to the top to give room for the rising batter. After the moulds are filled, put them inside the steamer. Steam on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes while covered with a lid. If you stick a toothpick in the middle of a Bafauri to check for doneness, it should come out clean.

After they are done, carefully take the bafauri out of the steamer and allow them to cool for a short while. They taste best served hot, preferably with yoghurt or green chutney on the side for dipping.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Useful Tips:

  • Try adding more spices and aromatics to your bafauri if it tastes boring.
  • Not overly sticky, but flexible and soft is how the dough should be.
  • Try a variety of fillings until you discover your ideal combo.
  • Depending on the size of the bafauri, adjust the steaming time.
  • Serve hot bafauri with your preferred chutney or dipping sauce.

Image Credit: Flickr

As a healthy version of the traditional Indian cuisine, this delicious morsel is guaranteed to quickly become your family’s favourite! When you have followed these instructions here and come up with various types of bafauri fillings, you can prepare delicious homemade bafauri.