Koldil r Bor
Crispy, savory fritters made from tender banana blossom, gram flour, and fragrant spices. A classic Bengali snack that's perfect with your evening tea or as a crunchy side with rice and dal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Banana Blossom
- b.Grease your hands and knife with 1 tsp of mustard oil to prevent staining from the blossom's sap.
- c.Remove the tough, dark outer petals one by one until you reach the pale, tender inner core.
- d.Finely chop the tender florets and the heart. As you chop, you can discard the hard, matchstick-like pistil from each floret if they are mature.
- e.Immediately place the chopped blossom in a bowl of water to prevent it from browning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Boil and Mash the Blossom
- b.Transfer the chopped blossom to a pot with 4 cups of water. Add 1/2 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the turmeric powder.
- c.Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the blossom is completely soft and tender.
- d.Drain the cooked blossom in a colander. Using the back of a spoon, press down firmly to squeeze out every last drop of water. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.
- e.Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then mash it coarsely with a fork or your hands.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Fritter Mixture
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana blossom, besan, rice flour, finely chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger paste.
- c.Add the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, hing, and the remaining 3/4 tsp salt.
- d.Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly to form a thick, stiff, and slightly sticky dough. Do not add any water; the residual moisture in the blossom is sufficient.
- e.The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into a patty.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Fritters (Bor)
- b.Heat the mustard oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- c.Take small lemon-sized portions of the mixture and flatten them slightly between your palms to form 1/2-inch thick patties.
- d.Carefully slide 4-5 patties into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- e.Fry on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and uniformly crispy.
- f.Remove the fried fritters with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Serve the Koldil r Bor immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- c.They pair wonderfully with Kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce), tomato ketchup, or as a crunchy side dish with a simple meal of rice and dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing out all the water from the boiled blossom is the most important step for achieving maximum crispiness.
- 2Always fry on medium heat. High heat will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside raw, while low heat will make them absorb too much oil.
- 3For an authentic Bengali flavor, using mustard oil for frying is highly recommended.
- 4If your mixture feels too wet to shape, add another tablespoon of rice flour to bind it.
- 5These fritters are best enjoyed fresh off the stove as they lose their crispness upon cooling.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Posto (Poppy Seeds)
Add 2 tablespoons of coarse ground posto (poppy seeds) to the mixture for a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch.
With CoconutWith Coconut
Incorporate 3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut into the batter for a subtle sweetness and a richer texture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies to your preference and add 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala to the spice mix for extra warmth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Banana blossom is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
The use of Besan (gram flour) makes these fritters a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, cell generation, and overall body function.
Packed with Minerals
Banana blossom contains essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while iron is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
Koldil is the Bengali name for banana blossom or banana flower, which is the tear-shaped purple flower that hangs at the end of a banana fruit cluster. It has a unique, slightly astringent flavor and a chunky, flaky texture when cooked.