Burmese Besan Bites

Burmese Besan Bites are a delightful and savory snack originating from Myanmar, a country known for its rich culinary heritage. These bites are made from gram flour, also known as besan, and are a popular street food item, loved for their crisp texture and flavorful spices.

History of Burmese Besan Bites

The history of Burmese Besan Bites is intertwined with the diverse cultural exchanges in Myanmar. Historically, Myanmar has been a crossroads of cultural influences due to its proximity to India, China, and Southeast Asia. The use of gram flour in cooking was likely introduced by Indian immigrants and traders, and the dish evolved into its current form through adaptation to local tastes and ingredients.

Ingredients

Gram flour - 2 cups
Water - 1 1/2 cups
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Chili powder - 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
Baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon
Oil - for frying
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
Green chili - 1, finely chopped
Coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Preparation

To start preparing your Burmese Besan Bites, gather all the ingredients: gram flour, water, salt, turmeric, cumin seeds, chili powder, coriander powder, baking soda, onion, green chili, and coriander leaves.

Mixing Ingredients

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour, salt, turmeric, cumin seeds, chili powder, coriander powder, and baking soda.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The batter should be smooth and thick, allowing you to easily coat a spoon with it.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

Add finely chopped onion, green chili, and coriander leaves into the batter. Mix well to combine.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan or wok, heat sufficient oil for frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking, roughly 350°F (180°C). You can test it by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

Step 5: Fry the Bites

Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the Besan Bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing them to cook evenly.

Cooking Time

Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure to flip them midway through cooking for even frying. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bites from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. For a precise timing, you can use a cooking timer.

How to Enjoy Burmese Besan Bites

Burmese Besan Bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh, accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce or chutney. They can also be served as an appetizer or a tea-time snack.