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Crisp, savory fritters from Kashmiri cuisine. Slices of bottle gourd are dipped in a spiced rice flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. A perfect tea-time snack, especially on a rainy day.
Prepare the Bottle Gourd
Create the Spiced Batter
Fry the Fritters
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Crisp, savory fritters from Kashmiri cuisine. Slices of bottle gourd are dipped in a spiced rice flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. A perfect tea-time snack, especially on a rainy day.
This kashmiri recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 302.5 calories per serving with 5.03g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Drain and Serve
This same batter can be used with other vegetables like potato slices, onion rings, eggplant (brinjal) slices, or even paneer for different types of pakoras.
For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder or a pinch of garam masala to the batter.
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) or mint leaves to the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
Bottle gourd is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
With a water content of over 90%, bottle gourd is incredibly hydrating, helping to replenish fluids in the body and keep you cool.
The batter is made from rice flour and gram flour, both of which are naturally gluten-free, making this a suitable snack for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Kaddoo Monje is a deep-fried snack, so it is high in calories and fat and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, the main ingredient, bottle gourd, is very healthy—it's low in calories, rich in water content, and provides dietary fiber.
One serving of Kaddoo Monje (approximately 6 fritters) contains around 275-300 calories, primarily from the flours and the oil absorbed during frying.
While you can try making them in an air fryer for a healthier version, the texture will be different. A wet batter like this doesn't work well. To adapt, you can lightly coat the gourd slices in the batter, spray with oil, and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They will be less crispy than the deep-fried version.
The key to crispy fritters is using rice flour in the batter and ensuring the oil is at the right temperature. Also, do not overcrowd the pan. For guaranteed crispiness, try the double-frying method mentioned in the tips.
Traditionally, Kaddoo Monje is served with Kashmiri Walnut Chutney (Doon Chetin) or a simple mint chutney. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, especially Noon Chai.
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, do not add the bottle gourd slices to the batter until you are ready to fry, as they will release water and make the batter runny.