Authentic Indian Bhajji Recipe: Taste the Perfect Crunch and Flavor

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Gram Flour (Besan)
  • 1/2 cup of Rice Flour
  • 1 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Red Chilli Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as required
  • 2 Medium-sized Onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of chopped Fresh Coriander Leaves
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the gram flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Gradually add water to this mix, stirring continuously to form a thick batter without lumps.
  3. Add the thinly sliced onions, finely chopped green chillies, and chopped coriander leaves to the batter. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the batter.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and comes to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
  5. Once the oil is hot, take a spoonful of the batter and gently drop it into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, fry only a few bhajjis at a time.
  6. Fry the bhajjis until they turn golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
  7. Remove the fried bhajjis with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  8. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  9. Serve the hot bhajjis with ketchup or chutney of your choice.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the batter and other ingredients.
  • Whisk - To mix the batter thoroughly and remove any lumps.
  • Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides to hold the oil for deep frying.
  • Slotted Spoon - To remove the fried bhajjis from the oil.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried bhajjis.

Recipe variations

  • Use different vegetables such as thinly sliced potatoes, spinach leaves, or bell peppers in addition to or instead of onions.
  • Add grated cheese to the batter for a cheesy variation.
  • Replace gram flour with chickpea flour for a slightly different flavor.
  • Try using a mixture of different flours like chickpea flour, rice flour, and corn flour for a unique texture.
  • Add spices like cumin powder, garam masala, or chaat masala to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Add finely chopped ginger or garlic to the batter for a hint of spice.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour like rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Make a vegan version by substituting regular yogurt with plant-based yogurt or buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Instead of deep frying, try baking the bhajjis in the oven for a healthier twist.
  • Add chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Recipe overview

Bhajji, a popular Indian snack, is a perfect delight for taste buds on a rainy day or a cozy evening. This flavorful and crispy snack is made by deep frying batter-coated slices of onions or other vegetables. The batter is a mixture of gram flour, rice flour, and a few Indian spices. This recipe guide provides you with step-by-step instructions to make perfect Bhajjis. Prepare to be amazed by the golden, crunchy exterior followed by the soft, flavorful interior of these delicious treats. Serve them hot with ketchup or chutney of your choice for an unforgettable snacking experience. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying? Drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and comes to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
  2. Can I make the batter in advance? It is best to make the batter just before frying the bhajjis to achieve a crispy texture. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and mix them with water right before frying.
  3. Can I use any other flour instead of gram flour? Gram flour (besan) is traditionally used for bhajjis as it gives them a specific flavor and texture. Substituting it may alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
  4. Can I refrigerate the leftover batter? It is not recommended to refrigerate the batter as it may become watery and affect the texture of the bhajjis. It is best to use the batter immediately.
  5. Can I bake the bhajjis instead of frying them? Bhajjis are typically deep fried for a crispy texture. While you can try baking them, the result may be different, and they may not have the same texture as the traditional fried ones.
  6. What can I serve with bhajjis? Bhajjis are often served with ketchup or various chutneys like mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or coriander chutney. They also pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the batter and ingredients.
  • Whisk - A utensil used for whisking the batter to ensure it is smooth and free of lumps.
  • Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides for deep frying the bhajjis.
  • Slotted Spoon - A spoon with holes or slots for removing the fried bhajjis from the oil.
  • Paper Towels - Used for draining excess oil from the fried bhajjis.

Origin stories

Bhajji, a popular Indian snack, traces its roots back to the South of India, particularly the state of Maharashtra. Despite its humble origins, this comfort food has managed to win hearts across the entire subcontinent and beyond. The interesting part about Bhajji is that it is highly customizable according to regional tastes. While the basic recipe remains the same, the choice of vegetables that are dipped in the gram flour batter and fried can range from onions, potatoes, and spinach to even exotic variants like banana and jackfruit. It is this versatility that has made Bhajji an integral part of Indian street food culture. Traditionally served with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or ketchup, a plate of hot Bhajjis on a rainy day is a gastronomic delight that transcends all boundaries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.