Mangalore Banana Buns

Recipe by Cook's Hideout

Sweet & savory banana buns from Mangalore (in Karnataka). But these are not the typical yeast based banana buns or rolls, instead they are deep fried pooris made with a banana base dough. These buns are typically served for breakfast with a spicy chutney, curry or tomato ketchup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Wholewheat flour Atta (/)
• 15 oz. can black beans (- (or use 1½cups of all purpose flour))
• 2 tbsp sugar (- (add more if you want a sweeter buns/ pooris))
• 15 oz. can black beans
• ⅛ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt ((or to taste))
• 1 banana (Ripe - medium)
• 3 tbsp yogurt
• 15 oz. can black beans (oil - for deep frying)

Method

1. Blend the banana to a smooth paste. Set aside until ready to use.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, sugar and salt. Mix well along with cumin seeds.
3. Add the banana puree, yogurt and starting kneading to form a soft, sticky dough by adding a little water at a time. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky and not dry. Smear oil all over the dough, cover and rest for at least 3 hours. If you plan on making the buns in the morning, then make the dough and refrigerate at night. Take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 1~2 hours before making the buns.
4. Heat oil for deep frying.
5. Divide the dough into small lemon size balls. Roll them out into slightly thick disks. I use my poori press for this operation :-)
6. When the oil is hot (test by dropping a small piece of dough and if the dough floats to the surface, then the oil is ready to fry.
7. Gently drop the poori into the hot oil and press it on the top with a slotted spoon to puff up. Fry till the poori puffs up and is golden brown. Flip and fry the other side until golden brown.
8. Remove onto a paper towel lined plate and repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Serve hot with a spicy chutney, curry or tomato ketchup.

View the recipe instructions at Cook's Hideout