Fiji Style Gulgula | Banana Fritters | Indian Donuts

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Gulgulas are a family favorite in this household! With it being so easy, and so versatile, its hard not to pop these beauties in your mouth one after another. I remember on rainy days back at home in Fiji, mom would make these with some cha (tea) and we would all sit in the veranda (porch) and look out to the road, chitchatting, playing, and enjoying the rain. Today, I will be sharing my recipe for gulgulas. My moms recipe is slightly different and I will be sharing that in the near future.

Be sure to check out my video on YouTube on how I make these! And when you do make them, share your pictures with me on social media! Now, on to the recipe!



Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar* 
  • 1-2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 3 Tbsp raisins, soaked in 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 
  • saffron, few strands (optional) 
  • 1/4-1/2 cup water or milk 
  • Oil for frying 

Method:
  • Mash bananas and soak raisins.
  • Mix mashed bananas, soaked raisins with water, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined. 
  • Mix all dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients.
  • Mix well and add little water at a time to form a thick pancake like batter. 
  • Heat oil on medium flame. You do not want the oil to be too hot. 
  • Scoop up some batter small cookie dough scoop or use two spoons to shape batter before dropping it into the oil. Turn frequently to ensure even browning. 
  • Fry until golden brown. Turn frequently to ensure even browning.  
  • Drain on paper towels. 
Enjoy!

Notes & tips
  1. Use SUPER ripe bananas if possible! They bring a wonderful sweetness to these gulgulas. You can adjust the sugar to your taste. If your bananas aren't sweet, add more sugar.
  2. As with most fried doughs, do a taste test by frying one gulgula to check for sweetness and spices. 
  3. Weirdly enough, these taste fabulous with a drizzle of condensed milk! 





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