Mangalorean Buns – Fried Banana Bread

If you love Banana bread then you have to give Mangalore Banana Buns (Bhubhus Roti / Puri) a try. This sweet chewy deep-fried banana bread made with baking soda and cumin seeds is a bomb. The texture is very similar to a whole wheat pita bread and is also very similar to American Indian Fry Bread. Last week I stumbled upon this recipe while browsing online and was very excited to give it a try. I also found out for the first time that  it was a Mangalorean (Mangalore) and not a Goan sweet. Goan’s have something similar which is a ball-shaped called filoz.

Mangalore and Goa share some similar cuisines. This sweet bun (pao/puri/bread) was a common sight at most Goan Tea Stalls. It reminded me of the good old days when we were kids. When I went on my first visit back to Goa from the US, it was on my “Must Eat” list. Now a days it is hard to find in Goa with local tea stalls being replaced by the fancy pastry places.

To keep the dough chewy and soft I found that combining white with whole wheat flour is the best. The moisture in the banana and yogurt is enough to make the bread dough. Plus letting the dough to rest overnight in the refrigerator will give the best results. As I was making the buns for the first time I was worried if I would get the caramelized color on the bread and I was happy it did come out just the way I remember.

Serving Size: 9-10 Pao/Puri about 3 inches rounds

Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup of whole wheat flour

1 over ripe banana

1/2 tsp of whole cumin

1/2 tsp of baking soda

3 tbsp of sugar

3 tbsp of plain yogurt

salt to taste

Directions:

Mash or either puree the ripe banana. Put it in a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, salt, cumin, sugar, yogurt and baking soda and mix it well.

Next add the flour in slowly till a slight wet dough is formed similar to a bread or chapati dough texture.

Let it rest overnight. It will have a brown hue. Divide the dough into equal portions.

Heat oil in a deep pan for deep-frying.

Shape into small disk, dust with flour so it does not stick and roll it about 1/8″ thick and 3-4″ round.

Slip each disk carefully into the hot oil and gently caress the top of the bread to let it puff up. Flip and fry till brown.

Drain it on a paper towel.

Enjoy fresh with a good cup of hot tea or coffee. If you have ever made something similar please share your thoughts in the comments section. And for all you fathers out there in the blogosphere wishing you all a Very Happy Fathers Day!