Jhal Badam Boda

History and Background

Jhal Badam Boda is a spicy, crispy peanut fritter popular in the streets of West Bengal, India. This savory snack is often enjoyed as an evening treat or an accompaniment to tea, especially during the monsoon season. The word 'Jhal' means spicy in Bengali, 'Badam' refers to peanuts, and 'Boda' means fritter or dumpling. This delightful snack is a testament to the Bengali love for deep-fried foods, embodying a rich culinary tradition that perfectly balances flavors and textures. Originating from the kitchens of traditional Bengali households, Jhal Badam Boda has now made its presence known in street food culture, garnering fans all over the region.

Ingredients

• Raw Peanuts - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Chickpea Flour (Besan) - 100 grams
• Green Chili - 2 pieces, finely chopped
• Ginger Paste - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Vegetable Oil - for deep frying
• Water - as required

Preparation

Step 1: Prepping the Peanuts

Start by soaking the Raw Peanuts in water for about 30 minutes. This softens them slightly and makes them easier to blend. After soaking, drain the peanuts and set them aside.

Step 2: Making the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the Chickpea Flour with water to create a smooth batter. Add the soaked Raw Peanuts, chopped Onion, Green Chili, Ginger Paste, Turmeric Powder, Cumin Seeds, Sugar, and Salt to the batter. Mix everything well to ensure the peanuts are well-coated.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Deep Frying the Fritters

Heat Vegetable Oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil, forming small fritters. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. It usually takes about 5-6 minutes per batch.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and drain excess oil by placing them on paper towels. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up. Refer to the cooking timer to ensure precise timing.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Jhal Badam Boda hot with a side of mint chutney or tomato ketchup. They make an excellent evening snack or a starter for guests. These fritters can also be served with a cup of steaming tea or coffee, enhancing the overall experience with their spicy crunch.

Tips for Enjoyment

• To add more flavor, try sprinkling some chaat masala on top of the Jhal Badam Boda before serving.
• These fritters taste best when freshly fried; however, you can reheat them in a preheated oven to retain their crispiness.
• If you love extra heat, feel free to add more Green Chili to the batter.