South Indian Bajji Recipe – Onion Bajji | Raw Banana Bajji | Potato Bajji
Bajji, also known as Pakoras or Fritters, is a beloved South Indian snack. This crispy and golden treat is made by dipping raw vegetables like onions, potatoes, and raw bananas into a spiced gram flour (besan) batter, followed by deep-frying until they reach a perfect crunch. Bajjis are popular for tea-time or as appetizers at parties, and they pair wonderfully with tangy chutneys, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
Cuisine:
South Indian Recipes
Course:
Snack
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana | 1, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces |
| Onion | 1, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Ingredients for the Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon, crushed |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Batter: Start by mixing the ingredients for the batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, fennel seeds, and salt. Gradually add water, stirring continuously, until the batter reaches a thick consistency—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set the batter aside to rest.
-
Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a wok or kadai for deep frying. Allow the oil to heat up to a medium-high temperature. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the top immediately, the oil is ready.
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Coat the Vegetables: Dip each of the sliced vegetables (raw banana, potato, and onion) into the prepared gram flour batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Be sure not to overcrowd the oil, and fry the vegetables in batches if necessary.
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Fry to Perfection: Carefully drop the battered vegetables into the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown and crisp on all sides. The frying process should take about 3-5 minutes per batch. Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bajjis from the oil.
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Drain and Serve: Place the fried bajjis on an absorbent paper towel to drain excess oil. Arrange them on a platter, ready to serve.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve these crispy vegetable bajjis (pakoras) with a side of Raw Mango & Coconut Chutney for an authentic South Indian experience. These delicious fritters also make a perfect pairing with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Enjoy them as a delightful snack for your next tea time or serve them as an appetizer at your parties!
Tips for Best Results:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- You can mix and match different vegetables based on availability and preference, such as cauliflower or bell peppers.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the batter for a unique taste.
Enjoy your South Indian Vegetable Bajji as a crispy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion!
