Bonda soup recipe: Comforting Karnataka recipe for cold days
Bonda soup stands out as a warming dish from Karnataka that combines flavour, texture, and comfort in a single bowl. It brings together crisp urad dal bondas and a light, fragrant moong dal soup. The contrast between the crunchy exterior of the bonda and the soft, mellow soup creates a balanced meal that fits winter evenings perfectly. Here is a clear, simple recipe that keeps the essence of this Karnataka classic intact.
New Delhi: Bonda soup stands out as a warming dish from Karnataka that combines flavour, texture, and comfort in a single bowl. It brings together crisp urad dal bondas and a light, fragrant moong dal soup. The contrast between the crunchy exterior of the bonda and the soft, mellow soup creates a balanced meal that fits winter evenings perfectly. The dish is known for its simplicity and homestyle charm, and it appeals to anyone who enjoys food that feels gentle yet satisfying.
This combination also works well as a starter during gatherings because it is light but still layered with flavour. With basic pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, bonda soup is easy to prepare on busy days. The dal base adds warmth without heaviness, while the bondas lend a subtle richness. Here is a clear, simple recipe that keeps the essence of this Karnataka classic intact.
Ingredients for the bondas
- 1 cup Urad Dal or black gram
- Water for soaking or grinding
- Salt for taste
- 1/4 cup chopped coconut pieces (optional)
- 2 finely chopped green chilies
- 1 inch chopped ginger
- Few curry leaves
- Oil for deep frying
Ingredients for the dal soup
- 3/4 cup moong dal or split green gram
- 1-2 finely chopped tomatoes
- 3-4 slit green chilies
- 1 inch chopped ginger
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- 1 tsp ghee or oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Pinch of asafoetida or hing
- Few curry leaves
Prepare the bondas
Soak the dal, grind it to a thick paste, mix in the aromatics, and fry small portions until golden.
Prepare the dal soup
Cook the moong dal until soft, mash it, temper the spices in ghee or oil, cook the tomatoes, add the dal, thin it with water, and simmer.
Serving
Place the hot bondas in a bowl and pour the dal soup over them. Add onions or extra coriander if needed.
A hot bowl of bonda soup brings warmth, comfort, and a distinct Karnataka flavour to winter meals.