Poli - Hotteok or Hoddeok or Hodduk, (호떡) (Korean sweet pancakes)
Both Poli and Hotteok are sweet pancakes that are typically filled with a sweet filling. In Poli, the filling is commonly made with ingredients like jaggery (cane sugar), coconut, and sometimes cardamom or other spices. Hotteok features a filling made with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. Both dishes involve making a dough that is used to form the pancakes. In Poli, the dough is typically made with wheat flour, sometimes mixed with all-purpose flour, and is often kneaded with water or milk. Hotteok dough is typically made with all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose flour and rice flour, yeast, sugar, and water. Both Poli and Hotteok are cooked on a griddle or a frying pan. They are typically flattened and cooked until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Both Poli and Hotteok are commonly found as street food snacks in their respective countries. Poli is popular in Indian states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where it is often sold by street vendors or prepared at home during festivals. Hotteok is a popular street food in South Korea, especially during the winter months, and can be found at street stalls or food markets. Both Poli and Hotteok have associations with festivals. Poli is often made during festive occasions like Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Holi (Festival of Colors) in India. Hotteok is commonly enjoyed during the Korean holiday called Dongji (Winter Solstice), where it is believed to bring warmth and comfort during the cold season.
Gamja-jeon and Paruppu Vada
Both Gamja-jeon and Paruppu Vada are fritter-like snacks made from a batter that is deep-fried until golden and crispy. Gamja-jeon is primarily made with grated or sliced potatoes mixed with flour and seasonings, while Paruppu Vada is made with a batter consisting of soaked and ground lentils (usually toor dal or chana dal) along with spices and herbs. Both Gamja-jeon and Paruppu Vada are vegetarian dishes. They can also be made vegan by omitting any dairy or animal-based ingredients. Both fritters incorporate a blend of flavorful spices and herbs. Gamja-jeon is seasoned with ingredients like salt, pepper, and optionally green onions or other herbs for added flavor. Paruppu Vada typically includes ingredients such as onions, ginger, curry leaves, and spices like cumin, coriander, and black pepper to enhance the taste.
Gamja-jeon and Paruppu Vada are commonly enjoyed as snacks or appetizers. They are often served with dipping sauces or chutneys for added flavor and are popular street food items in their respective regions. Both fritters are deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture on the outside while retaining a softer texture inside. The deep-frying process gives them a satisfying texture that makes them enjoyable as snacks.
