Gulgula

Gulgula is a traditional sweet fritter found across the Indian subcontinent, especially in Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bangladesh. It is made by combining a batter with mashed ripe bananas or plantains and then deep-frying spoonfuls until they are golden and crisp on the outside while soft inside. The texture and flavor can vary by region and family recipes, but the basic concept remains a lightly sweet, fragrant fritter.

Typical ingredients include ripe bananas or plantains, flour (often a mix of rice flour and all-purpose flour, sometimes with semolina or chickpea flour), and a sweetener such as jaggery or sugar. Flavors commonly include cardamom and sometimes fennel seeds. Some versions use yogurt, milk, or water to adjust the batter’s consistency, and a small amount of leavening like baking powder or baking soda may be added to produce a lighter crumb. The batter is usually thick enough to hold shape when dropped into hot oil.

Preparation involves mixing the mashed fruit with the dry ingredients and flavorings, shaping the batter into small rounds or scoops, and frying in oil until the fritters are puffed and golden. They are typically served warm or at room temperature and are a common snack during festivals, monsoon season, or as a tea-time treat. Gulgula is known by regional names and slight ingredient variations, but it remains a simple, accessible sweet fritter in many households.