Gandasturi Recipe

I just finished making a batch of Gandasturi Recipe, and my kitchen smells absolutely divine. This traditional treat has been a favorite of mine for years, and I finally perfected my own version of the recipe.

The combination of the sweet, soft mung bean filling and the crispy fried batter is pure comfort.

I was surprised at how simple they are to whip up, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. I’m excited to share this process with you so you can enjoy these delightful fritters, too.

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious mung bean fritters.

• 250 grams Mung beans: Soaking these overnight is crucial. It softens them up, making them easy to cook and mash into a smooth paste for the filling.
• 65 ml Instant coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk will give you the richest, most flavorful, and creamy filling.
• 8 tbsp Granulated sugar: This provides the classic sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet you prefer your treats.
• 1 liter Water: Used for boiling the mung beans until they are perfectly tender.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness of the sugar and balances the overall flavor of the filling.
• 3 Pandan leaves: These fragrant leaves infuse the mung beans with a unique, sweet, and slightly floral aroma as they cook.
• 6 tbsp Crispy banana fritter flour mix: Using a pre-made mix like Kobe Tepung Pisang Goreng Crispy is a great shortcut for a perfect, crunchy batter.
• 200 ml Water: This is for creating the wet batter. The consistency should be like a thin pancake batter.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, to ensure clean-tasting, non-greasy fritters.

Note: These ingredients will make approximately 5 servings.

Variations

Feel free to customize this classic recipe with a few simple tweaks to match your taste.

• Chocolate Filling: Mix in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder with the mashed mung beans for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the mung bean mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped peanuts or almonds into the mung bean filling for an extra layer of texture.
• Savory Option: Reduce the sugar significantly and add finely chopped scallions and a dash of white pepper to the mung bean paste for a savory snack.

Cooking Time

Here is a quick overview of how long it will take to make Gandasturi.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment you need

You will only need a few common kitchen tools to make this recipe.

• Large Pot: For boiling the mung beans until they are soft and tender.
• Food Processor or Potato Masher: To blend the cooked mung beans into a smooth paste for the filling.
• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need one for combining the filling ingredients and another for preparing the batter.
• Deep Pan or Wok: Essential for frying the fritters to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Slotted Spoon: For safely removing the hot Gandasturi from the oil and allowing excess to drain.

How to Make Gandasturi Recipe?

Creating these delightful fritters is a simple, step-by-step process. Just follow along to make them perfectly.

Prepare the Mung Bean Filling

After soaking the mung beans overnight, drain them and place them in a pot with 1 liter of water and the pandan leaves. Bring to a boil and cook until the beans are very tender. Drain any excess water and discard the pandan leaves. Transfer the cooked beans to a bowl and mash them until smooth. Add the sugar, salt, and coconut milk, mixing until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes a thick, workable paste.

Shape the Patties

Take a portion of the mung bean mixture, about two tablespoons worth, and roll it into a ball with your hands. Gently flatten the ball into a round, disc-like patty, about half an inch thick. Continue this process with the rest of the mixture, placing the formed patties on a plate or tray as you go.

Coat and Fry

In a separate bowl, prepare the batter by whisking the crispy fritter flour mix with 200 ml of water until smooth. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in your pan over medium-high heat. Dip each mung bean patty into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry for a few minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through trial and error, I have found a few small adjustments that make a big difference.

• Chill the Filling: I found that chilling the mung bean patties in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before frying helps them hold their shape better in the hot oil.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying only a few fritters at a time is my go-to method. This keeps the oil temperature high, which is the key to getting a crispy, not greasy, finish.
• Double Dip for Extra Crunch: If you love a super crunchy exterior like I do, try dipping the patties in the batter, letting the excess drip off, and then dipping them a second time before frying.
• Test the Oil Temperature: I always drop a small bit of batter into the oil before I start. If it sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying.

How to Serve Gandasturi Recipe?

These fritters are traditionally enjoyed as a snack alongside a warm beverage. Serve them hot, fresh from the pan, with a cup of hot black coffee or a fragrant jasmine tea. The bitterness of the drink beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the fritter. For a simple presentation, arrange them on a platter and enjoy them as a delightful afternoon treat.

Nutritional Information

For those interested, here is a general nutritional overview of this dish.

• Calories: Primarily from the mung beans, sugar, and frying oil.
• Protein: Mung beans provide a good source of plant-based protein.
• Carbohydrates: Sourced from both the beans and the sugar in the recipe.
• Fat: Mostly comes from the coconut milk and the oil used for frying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Proper storage will help you enjoy your Gandasturi for days to come.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gandasturi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you store them in the refrigerator, the batter may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the uncooked mung bean patties for later use. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to a month.

Reheating Tips

To bring back the crispiness, reheat the fritters in an air fryer or a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and crunchy. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make them soft and soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this Gandasturi recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

• Perfect Texture Combination: You get the best of both worlds with a soft, sweet, and tender interior wrapped in a delightfully crispy and crunchy shell.
• Simple and Inexpensive: The recipe uses basic, budget-friendly ingredients like mung beans and flour to create a truly satisfying and delicious snack.
• Great for Any Occasion: Gandasturi is perfect as a simple afternoon snack with tea, a portable treat for picnics, or a unique addition to a dessert platter.
• Rich in Plant-Based Goodness: Made primarily from mung beans, these fritters are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a more wholesome treat.