Spicy Delight from Karnataka: Bangalore Mandakki (Bhel) Recipe
When it comes to street food, every city in India has its own unique version of bhel – and Bangalore’s Mandakki bhel stands out with its spicy, crunchy, and tangy flavor. Mandakki, also known as Puffed Rice in English and Kurmura/Murmura in Hindi, becomes a magical snack when mixed with fresh veggies, coconut, and a special masala mix.
This quick and light dish is perfect for evenings with a cup of filter coffee or tea. Let’s learn how to make the Bangalore-style Mandakki bhel at home.
Ingredients
For the Mandakki Mix:
● 3 cups puffed rice (mandakki)
● 1 medium onion, finely chopped
● 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
● 2–3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to spice level)
● 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
● 1/2 cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
● 1 small carrot, grated (optional but adds freshness)
● 1 tbsp lemon juice
● Salt to taste
For the Masala:
● 2 tbsp roasted gram (hurigadale or pottukadalai)
● 1/2 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
● 1/2 tsp red chili powder
● 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
● 1/2 tsp chat masala (optional but enhances flavor)
Method
1. Make the Masala Powder
Grind the roasted gram, cumin, red chili powder, turmeric, and chat masala into a fine powder. This dry masala is the soul of Bangalore Mandakki bhel and gives it a signature spicy punch.
2. Prepare the Base
Take puffed rice in a large bowl. Make sure it’s crisp. If not, dry roast for 1-2 minutes on low heat without oil to make it crunchy again.
3. Mix the Goodness
Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, grated coconut, carrot, and coriander to the puffed rice.
4. Spice it Up
Sprinkle the freshly ground masala over the mixture. Add salt and lemon juice. Give everything a good mix using your hands or a large spoon.
5. Serve Immediately
Mandakki gets soggy if left out, so serve it immediately after mixing. You can garnish with some extra coconut or coriander for added flair.
Tips
● For a smoky twist, roast some peanuts and add them.
● You can add crispy sev or boondi on top for crunch.
● Adjust chilies and masala according to your spice preference.
The Taste of Bangalore Streets
Bangalore Mandakki isn’t just a snack—it’s nostalgia in a bowl for many who’ve roamed the lanes of Basavanagudi or Jayanagar. This healthy and quick recipe brings street-side flavor right to your kitchen.
Next time you're in the mood for something spicy, crunchy, and light, whip up a bowl of Mandakki bhel and enjoy the taste of Karnataka’s capital.
TAGS : spicy delight from karnataka: bangalore mandakki (bhel) recipe, bangalore mandakki, bangalore mandakki bhel
