In India, every state has its iconic breakfast options, like Maharashtra's pav bhaji, Gujarati’s dhokla, and Madhya Pradesh's poha jalebi. Similarly, bondas are a popular and flavourful option enjoyed mostly by South Indians for snacks or quick breakfast.
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A bonda is a golden-brown, crispy, deep-fried ball typically served for breakfast or as an evening snack. Popular across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, bondas are versatile by nature. You can prepare them with a variety of fillings at home to create a comforting and satisfying breakfast option.
Six Ways To Stuff Bonda For Your Breakfast
Egg Bonda
Egg bonda, also known as muttai bonda, is a protein-packed and nutritious option. To prepare this dish, boiled eggs are coated in a spicy chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The soft, tender egg inside contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior. This filling bonda pairs perfectly with mint chutney or cilantro chutney, making it a great way to kick-start your day with a burst of flavour.
Onion Bonda
Onion bonda is a crispy and flavourful snack that is easy to prepare. Thinly sliced onions are mixed with chickpea flour, rice flour, green chillies, and spices to create a savoury filling. The batter is then fried until golden and crispy. Onion bondas are a popular street food in South India and make for a delicious breakfast option when paired with coconut chutney.
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Aloo Bonda
Aloo bonda is one of the most popular variations of bondas that is both easy and quick to make. To prepare it, boiled potatoes are mashed and mixed with spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, green chillies, and curry leaves. The mixture is then shaped into balls, coated in a chickpea flour batter, and fried until crispy. Aloo bondas are often served with tamarind or coconut chutney and are perfect for those who love the comforting taste of potatoes.
Sabudana Bonda
Sabudana bonda is a delicious gluten-free option, perfect for fasting or light breakfasts. Sabudana (tapioca pearls) are soaked and mixed with boiled potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chillies, and cumin seeds. The mixture is shaped into small balls and deep-fried to golden perfection. Sabudana bondas are usually served with a tangy yoghurt dip or peanut chutney, making them a delightful breakfast option, especially during a religious fast.
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Vellam Bonda
Vellam bonda, also known as banana bonda, is a sweet treat from Kerala that can double up as both breakfast and dessert. This bonda is made by mashing ripe bananas and mixing them with jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom, and a pinch of flour. The mixture is then shaped into balls and fried. The result is a perfect breakfast option for those with a sweet tooth that pairs well with a cup of filter coffee.
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Chicken Bonda
For those who prefer non-vegetarian food in the morning, chicken bonda offers a hearty and delicious breakfast option. Minced chicken is cooked with onions, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and spices until tender. This filling is then shaped into balls, dipped in a chickpea flour batter, and deep-fried. The result is a crispy and flavourful bonda with a juicy, spicy chicken filling. Chicken bondas can be enjoyed with tomato ketchup or spicy chutney and are sure to keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning.