Karnataka Mangalore Buns

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil, for the dough
• Oil, for deep frying
• Coconut chutney, for serving

Before you cook

• Mash the ripe bananas until smooth with no large lumps.
• Measure out the flour, sugar and spices so they are ready to combine quickly.
• Have the yogurt at room temperature so it blends in easily.

Steps

1. Combine the mashed banana, sugar and yogurt in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Add the flour, baking soda, cumin seeds, salt and ghee to the banana mixture.
3. Knead everything together into a soft, slightly sticky dough, adding a little extra flour only if needed.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 3 hours, or refrigerate it overnight.
5. Divide the rested dough into 8 equal balls.
6. Roll each ball into a disc about 4 inches wide and a little under a quarter-inch thick.
7. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 325°F.
8. Slide a disc into the oil and press it gently with the back of a spoon to encourage puffing.
9. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides.
10. Drain on paper towels and repeat with the remaining discs.
11. Serve warm with coconut chutney.