Bhalla (food)

Bhalla is a traditional Indian dish, often categorized under street food. It is a popular snack in various parts of India, particularly in North and West. Bhalla is a type of dahi vada, a savory snack made from lentil dumplings topped with yogurt, spices, and chutneys.

Origin and Etymology

The term 'Bhalla' is derived from the Hindi word 'Bhallā', which means 'round'. This is a reference to the round shape of the dish. The dish is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, with variations of the dish found in different regions.

Preparation

The preparation of Bhalla involves soaking lentils (usually urad dal) overnight and then grinding them into a batter. The batter is then shaped into round dumplings and deep-fried until golden brown. Once fried, the dumplings are soaked in water to make them soft. They are then topped with whisked yogurt, and garnished with various spices such as cumin, red chili powder, and chaat masala. Additionally, sweet and tangy chutneys made from tamarind, mint, and coriander are drizzled over the top.

Variations

There are several regional variations of Bhalla in India. In North India, particularly in Delhi, Bhalla is often served as part of a dish called Papdi Chaat. In this variation, the Bhalla is served with crispy fried dough wafers known as papdi, along with boiled potatoes and chickpeas. In West India, particularly in Gujarat, a similar dish known as Dahi Vada is popular. The preparation is similar, but the garnishing includes grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.

See Also

• Indian cuisine
• Street food
• Dahi Vada
• Papdi Chaat