Street Food
Bhajias
Ingredients
- - chickpea flour (besan): 200 g (1 3/4 cups)
- - potato, thinly sliced: 1 medium (1 medium)
- - onion, thinly sliced: 1 medium (1 medium)
- - fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped: 50 g (2 cups)
- - ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp)
- - ground cumin: 1 tsp (1 tsp)
- - chilli powder: 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp)
- - water: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
- - salt: 1 tsp (1 tsp)
- - vegetable oil, for frying: 500 ml (2 cups)
Method
- Whisk the chickpea flour, turmeric, cumin, chilli powder and salt with the water to form a thick, smooth batter.
- Fold in the sliced potato, onion and spinach until everything is evenly coated in batter.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan to 175C (345F).
- Drop spoonfuls of the vegetable mixture into the oil and fry in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden and cooked through.
- Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving hot.
Introduction: Spiced vegetable fritters coated in a chickpea flour batter, bhajias reflect the long-standing Indian community's influence on Comorian street food, sold hot from roadside stalls in the late afternoon.
Cultural Background: Spiced vegetable fritters coated in a chickpea flour batter, bhajias reflect the long-standing Indian community's influence on Comorian street food, sold hot from roadside stalls in the late afternoon.
Tips: Slice the potato thinly so it cooks through fully in the time it takes to crisp the outside. The batter should coat the vegetables like a thick paste, not drip off — adjust water accordingly.
Variations: Add sliced green chilli into the batter for extra heat. Swap spinach for shredded cabbage for a different texture. This recipe does not have a distinct vegetarian/vegan conversion beyond the dietary tags listed above; no authentic substitution was forced.
Storage: Best eaten fresh and hot; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven at 200C (400F) for 6-8 minutes to restore crispness. Nutrition (per serving, approximate) Calories: 230 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Fat: 10 g
FAQs
Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Yes, thinly sliced eggplant, cauliflower florets or bell pepper all work well in this batter.
Q: Are bhajias naturally gluten-free?
A: Yes, chickpea flour contains no gluten, making this a naturally gluten-free snack.