Makka Garelu Recipe – Crispy Telangana-Style Corn Fritters
Makka Garelu, also known as Mokkajonna Garelu, is a traditional Telangana snack made with fresh corn kernels, aromatic spices, and herbs. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these golden fritters are a monsoon favourite and a popular tea-time snack across Telugu households. Their naturally sweet corn flavour combined with spicy seasonings makes them absolutely irresistible.
Prepared using Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, Makka Garelu fry to a perfect golden crispness while retaining their soft and flavourful centre. The light texture of the oil enhances the authentic taste of corn and spices, making these traditional fritters even more delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
- ¼ cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp kalonji (nigella/onion seeds)
- 1 sprig curry leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil for deep frying
Method
Step 1: Add the corn kernels to a mixer grinder and pulse without adding water. Grind into a coarse mixture, not a smooth paste.
Step 2: Transfer the ground corn mixture to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add gram flour, chopped onion, green chillies, garlic, cumin seeds, kalonji, curry leaves, coriander leaves, and salt.
Step 4: Mix everything well to form a thick batter. If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more gram flour.
Step 5: Heat Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
Step 6: Take small portions of the mixture and flatten them slightly into small vada-shaped discs.
Step 7: Carefully slide them into the hot oil and fry on a medium flame until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Frying on medium heat ensures even cooking from the inside.
Step 8: Remove the garelu and place them on absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
Step 9: Serve hot with coconut chutney, coriander chutney, or a cup of masala tea.
Your crispy and flavourful Makka Garelu are ready to serve! Enjoy these traditional Telangana-style corn fritters hot with chutney and tea for the perfect snack-time treat.