Mangalore Buns

Method

1. 1

   About Mangalore Buns: Mangalore Buns are slightly sweet, soft and fluffy deep fried bread made with ripe banana and maida flour. They are unique to the Mangalore and Udupi coastal belt. The ripe banana gives them their distinctive sweetness and soft texture.

2. 2

   Choose the right banana: Use very ripe bananas — the skin should be heavily speckled or almost black. Overripe bananas are sweeter and have more flavour than just ripe ones. You need 2 large ripe bananas.

3. 3

   Mash the banana: Peel and mash the bananas thoroughly to a completely smooth paste with no lumps. Mash with a fork on a plate pressing firmly.

4. 4

   Make the dough: In a large bowl combine the mashed banana, 2 cups maida (all-purpose flour), 1 tsp sugar, half tsp salt, half tsp cumin seeds, 2 tbsp yogurt and half tsp baking soda. Mix everything together first. The banana provides enough moisture — add water only if absolutely needed, just 1-2 tbsp. Knead gently for 5 minutes until you get a smooth, soft dough. Apply 1 tsp oil on the surface.

5. 5

   Rest the dough: Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 3-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. This resting allows the baking soda to activate and the dough to develop. The buns will be fluffier with longer resting.

6. 6

   Divide the dough: Divide the rested dough into 10-12 equal balls. Keep covered.

7. 7

   Roll into small circles: Roll each ball on a lightly floured surface into a small thick circle about 10-12cm diameter and 5-6mm thick. Mangalore buns are thicker than puri — do not roll too thin or they will not puff.

8. 8

   Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep pan to at least 10cm. Heat on medium-high heat.

9. 9

   Fry the buns: Slide one bun into the hot oil. It should puff up immediately. Gently press with the back of a slotted spoon to encourage puffing. Fry for 1-2 minutes until golden on one side. Flip and fry another 1-2 minutes. The buns should be pale to light golden — they are not meant to be deep brown.

10. 10

    Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot and puffy. Mangalore Buns are served for breakfast with coconut chutney and a cup of strong tea. The sweet bun with spicy chutney is a quintessential Mangalore breakfast experience.