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A quintessential Assamese monsoon snack, Babori Xaakor Bor are crispy, aromatic fritters featuring the unique, pungent flavor of babori xaak (fish mint). Bound with a spiced chickpea flour batter and fried to golden perfection, these fritters offer a delightful crunch and a distinctive herbaceous taste, best enjoyed hot with a cup of Assam tea.
Prepare the Fritter Mixture
Form the Batter
Deep Fry the Fritters
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A quintessential Assamese monsoon snack, Babori Xaakor Bor are crispy, aromatic fritters featuring the unique, pungent flavor of babori xaak (fish mint). Bound with a spiced chickpea flour batter and fried to golden perfection, these fritters offer a delightful crunch and a distinctive herbaceous taste, best enjoyed hot with a cup of Assam tea.
This indian recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 271.7 calories per serving with 7.18g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Drain and Serve
Incorporate other finely shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or potatoes into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) or a teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds to the batter for a different aromatic profile and digestive benefits.
For a lower-oil version, shape the mixture into small patties and cook them in an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Note that the texture will be different from the deep-fried version.
The use of besan (chickpea flour) as the base makes these fritters a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Both besan and the fresh herbs contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Babori Xaak (Fish Mint) is known in traditional Assamese and other Asian folk medicines for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties.
Babori Xaak is the Assamese name for Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint, chameleon plant, or heartleaf. It has a unique, pungent, and slightly fishy aroma, which is a key characteristic of this dish.
The flavor of Babori Xaak is very distinct and central to this recipe. While no other herb can truly replicate it, you could make a different type of fritter using a combination of fresh mint and cilantro. However, it would no longer be the authentic Babori Xaakor Bor.
The two most important factors for crispiness are using rice flour in the batter and frying in oil that is at the correct temperature (medium-high heat). A thick, low-moisture batter also prevents them from becoming soggy.
While it is deep-fried and should be consumed in moderation, the core ingredients are nutritious. Besan is a good source of protein and fiber, and Babori Xaak is valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
One serving, which is approximately 4 fritters (about 105g), contains an estimated 280-300 calories. The exact amount can vary based on the size of the fritters and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
These fritters are best eaten fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore some crispiness, place them in a preheated oven or an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.