Bhaji
Deep-fried fritters served as fast food in India, Pakistan and the Caribbean
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A bhaji (also spelled bajji or bhajee) is a type of fritter originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is made from spicy hot vegetables, commonly onion, and has several variants.[1] It is a popular snack food in India and is also very popular in Bangladesh. It can be found for sale in street-side stalls, especially in tapris (on streets) and dhabas (on highways). It is a common starter in Indian restaurant cuisine across the United Kingdom.
Stuffed mirchi (chilli) bhaji in an Indian restaurant | |
| Alternative names | Bhaji, bajji, onion bhaji, bhajia (Gujarati) |
|---|---|
| Type | Fritter |
| Place of origin | India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh |
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Serving temperature | hot |
| Main ingredients | Gram flour, vegetables |
| Similar dishes | Pakora and other fritters made from wheat or corn flour |
Regional varieties
Outside Southern and Western India, such preparations are often known as pakora. Bhajis can be made with chili, potato, onion, plantain, or bread. Regional versions include the potato-based bonda (in South India),[2][3] vada[4] (originally with potato, in Maharashtra[5]) and gota (in Gujarat), made with green fenugreek leaves.[6]
Cultural significance
Bhajis are a component of traditional Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, Kerala, and Telugu cuisines served on special occasions and at festivals. They are generally served with a cup of coffee, tea, or a traditional serving of yameen. Banana peppers are used for making mirchi bhajji.
Onion bhajis are often eaten as a starter in Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom before the main course, along with poppadoms and other Indian snacks. They may be served with a side of salad and a slice of lemon, or with mango chutney, and are traditionally made to a mild taste.[1] The Guinness World Record for the largest onion bhaji is held by one weighing 175.48 kilograms (386 lb 13+3⁄4 oz) made by Oli Khan and Team of Surma Takeaway Stevenage on 4 February 2020.[7]
Gallery
- Banana pepper used in mirchi bhaji
- Bhaji
- Preparing bhajis in South India
- Aloo bhaji
- Onion bhaji
- Kanda bhaji