Savory Delights: Homemade Bhajiya Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Gram Flour (Besan)
  • 2 medium-sized Potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Coriander, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Water, as required
  • Oil, for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, green chilies, fresh coriander, and salt.
  2. Gradually add water to the mixture and stir well to form a smooth and thick batter.
  3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Dip the thinly sliced potatoes and onions in the prepared batter, ensuring they are well coated.
  5. Carefully drop the coated potato and onion slices into the hot oil.
  6. Fry until the bhajiyas are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bhajiyas from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper towels.
  8. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and vegetable slices.
  9. Serve the bhajiyas hot with a side of mint chutney or ketchup.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different vegetables such as spinach, eggplant, or cauliflower instead of potatoes and onions.
  • Experiment with different flours like rice flour or semolina to achieve different textures.
  • Add spices like garam masala, coriander powder, or ginger-garlic paste to enhance the flavor.
  • Include grated cheese or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in the batter for a cheesy variation.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the gram flour with chickpea flour.
  • Try shallow frying the bhajiyas instead of deep frying to reduce oil consumption.
  • Add chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts to the batter for added crunch.
  • Make it vegan by omitting the use of yogurt or any dairy-based ingredients.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies.
  • Include herbs like mint, curry leaves, or dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for additional flavor.

Recipe overview

Delight your taste buds with this traditional Indian snack - Bhajiya. These are crispy, deep-fried fritters made from gram flour and vegetables, predominantly potatoes and onions. Infused with spices such as turmeric, red chili powder and cumin seeds, the Bhajiya recipe we're sharing is a simple yet savory delight that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack or side dish. Expect to be engaged in a therapeutic cooking process as you mix the batter, coat the vegetables and deep fry these bite-sized treats to a crispy golden brown. Serve them hot with mint chutney or ketchup for an explosion of flavor. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and the results absolutely satisfying.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make bhajiyas?
    The total preparation and cooking time for bhajiyas is approximately 30-40 minutes.
  2. Can I use other vegetables instead of potatoes and onions?
    Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower, eggplant, or even mixed vegetables to make bhajiyas.
  3. Can I make the batter in advance?
    It is recommended to make the batter just before frying the bhajiyas to ensure the best texture and flavor.
  4. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Yes, you can adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your taste preferences.
  5. Is there a healthier alternative to deep frying?
    While deep frying gives the traditional crispy texture, you can also try shallow frying or baking the bhajiyas for a healthier option.
  6. Can I store the leftover bhajiyas?
    Bhajiyas are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients and preparing the batter.
  • Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides and enough capacity for deep frying the bhajiyas.
  • Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to remove the fried bhajiyas from the hot oil.
  • Absorbent Paper Towels - To drain and remove excess oil from the fried bhajiyas.
  • Mint Chutney or Ketchup - Condiments or sauces that can be served as a side with the bhajiyas.

Origin stories

Bhajiya, a beloved snack from the Indian subcontinent, has its roots in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It's a popular street food that is traditionally enjoyed during the monsoon season. The practice of deep-frying vegetables in a gram flour batter is thought to have originated as a way to use up excess vegetables before they spoiled. The crispy, hot bhajiyas provided a comforting contrast to the cool, rainy weather. What's more, the spices used in bhajiyas like turmeric and cumin are known for their warming and digestive properties, making this snack not just delicious, but also beneficial in the cooler weather. Today, bhajiyas are enjoyed all over India and have even made their way to global cuisine, demonstrating the timeless appeal of a simple, flavorful snack.

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.