Mixed Bhajias

Mixed bhajias are a popular Indian snack that features a variety of vegetables coated in a flavorful gram flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. This delicious dish is bursting with aromatic spices and offers a delightful combination of textures, making it an excellent choice for a snack or appetizer.

The gram flour, also known as chickpea flour, forms the base of the batter and provides a light and crispy coating for the vegetables. A blend of spices, including coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the bhajias. The addition of fresh coriander, onion, leek, and cauliflower enhances the taste and texture, creating a medley of flavors in every bite.

To complement the mixed bhajias, a refreshing yogurt sauce is served on the side. The Greek-style yogurt is mixed with fresh mint, turmeric, and garlic, adding a cooling and tangy element to balance the spiciness of the bhajias.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a snack for a movie night, or simply craving a taste of Indian cuisine, mixed bhajias are a fantastic choice. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create these flavorful and crispy delights.

INGREDIENTS:

• 175g/6oz gram flour
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chilli powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
• 1 small onion, halved and sliced
• 1 small leek, sliced
• 100g/4oz cauliflower, blanched
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying

PREPARATIONS:

1. Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a mixing bowl.
2. Add the ground coriander, garam masala, ground turmeric, chili powder, and chopped fresh coriander. Mix thoroughly.
3. Divide the mixture between three separate small bowls.
4. Stir the onion into one bowl, the leek into another, and the cauliflower into the third.
5. Add 4 tablespoons of cold water to each bowl and mix each one to form a smooth paste.
6. Heat enough vegetable oil for deep-frying in a wok or heavy pan.
7. Using two tablespoons, form the mixture into rounds.
8. Cooking in batches, fry the bhajias in the hot oil until golden brown.
9. Remove the bhajias with a slotted spoon and drain them on kitchen paper.

YIELD: Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Exercise caution while working with hot oil to prevent accidents.
• Use a deep-frying thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying (around 180°C/350°F).

TIPS:

1. Experiment with different vegetables like sliced bell peppers, spinach, or grated carrots to create a variety of bhajias.
2. Serve the mixed bhajias with a tangy tamarind chutney or spicy mint chutney for additional flavors.
3. If you prefer a milder taste, adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preference.
4. Make sure to blanch the cauliflower before adding it to the batter to ensure it cooks properly during frying.
5. To keep the bhajias crispy, serve them immediately after frying.

In conclusion, mixed bhajias are a delightful Indian snack that features a variety of vegetables coated in a flavorful gram flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The combination of aromatic spices, including coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, adds a burst of flavors to each bite.

The process of creating mixed bhajias involves preparing a gram flour batter and dividing it into three bowls, each mixed with different vegetables like onion, leek, and cauliflower. These vegetable pieces are then coated with the batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

To complement the spiciness of the bhajias, a refreshing yogurt sauce is served on the side. The yogurt is mixed with fresh mint, turmeric, and garlic, providing a cool and tangy contrast to the hot and flavorful bhajias.

Mixed bhajias are a versatile snack that can be served as an appetizer at parties, enjoyed as a delicious snack during movie nights, or even paired with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

So, gather the ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy the tantalizing flavors and crispy texture of mixed bhajias. Your taste buds are in for a delightful and flavorful experience!