Bara
Bara are savory, deep-fried fritters made from split peas, a popular street food and appetizer in Suriname. They are often served with a spicy chutney or sauce, making them a flavorful and addictive snack enjoyed by many.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Yellow split peas
- 0.5 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 1 small Green chili (optional)(finely chopped, for heat)
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- to taste Salt
- 0.5 tsp Baking powder
- for deep frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly. Soak them in plenty of water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 2
Drain the soaked split peas and rinse again. Grind them in a food processor or blender until you have a coarse paste. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to help with grinding, but avoid making it too watery.
- 3
Transfer the pea paste to a bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, cumin seeds, salt, and optional green chili. Mix well.
- 4
Stir in the baking powder just before frying. This will help make the bara light and airy.
- 5
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok for deep frying to about 170-180°C (340-350°F).
- 6
Wet your hands slightly to prevent the batter from sticking. Take a small portion of the batter and shape it into a flat, round fritter (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
- 7
Carefully slide the shaped fritters into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches.
- 8
Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to turn them and remove them from the oil.
- 9
Drain the fried bara on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the batter is key; it should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too stiff.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If it's too cool, the bara will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they will burn on the outside before cooking through.
- ✓For a spicier bara, add more finely chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a more pungent flavor.
- Serve with a side of tamarind chutney or a spicy mango chutney.