Jr NTR's love for this South Indian deep-fried snack is so relatable; recipe inside

South Indian superstar Jr NTR has often shared his love for local and regional foods in interviews. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, the 42-year-old actor was asked about his favourite evening snack and his reply was, “In South India, in Hyderabad, we call it Punugulu.” According to the video interview, There are small bhajiyas and they are supposed to be eaten with ginger chutney and peanut chutney. For the unversed, Punugulu is a popular deep-fried snack from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, made with leftover idli or dosa batter, to which chopped onions, green chillies, curry leaves, and sometimes cumin seeds are added for extra flavour. Scroll down to read the details.

1 cup raw rice, ¼ cup urad dal, 1 tbsp chana dal, ½ tsp methi seeds, salt to taste, water as required, 1 onion, 1–2 green chillies, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp chopped coriander, and oil for deep frying

First, wash the rice, urad dal, chana dal, and methi seeds. Soak them together in enough water for 4–5 hours.

Once done, wash again and grind to a smooth, slightly thick batter using minimal water.

Add salt, mix well, cover, and ferment overnight in a warm place.

Next morning, add onions, green chillies, cumin, coriander, and mix gently.

Now, heat oil on medium flame in a kadhi and drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil.

Fry until golden brown and serve hot with ginger chutney and peanut chutney.

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