When monsoon clouds gather over Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, a familiar smell drifts through the lanes, that of hot, freshly fried fritters. In the Chambal region, this traditional snack turns up in almost every kitchen once the rains set in, and pairing it with a cup of tea has become a habit passed down through generations.
Why this fritter turns into a monsoon obsession
As soon as the monsoon arrives in Chambal, the craze for this traditional fritter spreads across the region. Its biggest draw is that it needs neither elaborate ingredients nor much time, coming together in barely five minutes. The taste is such that anyone who tries it once ends up wanting more. Elders, young adults and small children alike are fans of these hot, freshly made fritters. Enjoying them with sips of tea while the rain falls outside has become part of everyday life here. Whenever a sudden shower brings on a craving for something spicy and crunchy, this fritter comes together without any lengthy preparation, which is why locals consider it the easiest monsoon snack around.
What goes into the batter
Making this fritter needs nothing more than everyday kitchen staples. It calls for gram flour, finely chopped green chillies, coriander leaves, finely chopped onion and small pieces of potato. Fennel seeds and carom seeds are also added to sharpen the flavour and aid digestion, giving the fritter its authentic, homely touch.
How to prepare the batter
Start by taking as much gram flour as needed in a bowl. Add water little by little, whisking it well by hand or with a spoon. The batter should be neither too thick nor too thin, getting the consistency right is what gives the fritter its texture.
Mixing in the spices for the final touch
Once the gram flour batter is well whisked, mix in the finely chopped green chillies, coriander, onion and potato pieces. Then add the fennel and carom seeds, which not only boost the flavour but also help with digestion. At this point, the mixture is fully ready to be fried.
Fried and ready in just five minutes
Heat oil in a kadhai on the stove. Once the oil is properly hot, drop small portions of the batter straight into it to form fritters. Fry them on a low to medium flame until they turn golden brown. Within just five minutes, crisp and delicious fritters are ready. They can be lifted straight out of the kadhai and served with spicy chutney or a hot cup of tea.
