Bhaji

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Bhaji
Stuffed mirchi bajji (16164286908).jpg
Stuffed mirchi (chilli) bhaji in an Indian restaurant
Alternative namesBhaji, bajji, onion bhaji, bhajia (Gujarati)
Type Fritter
Place of origin India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh
Region or state Indian subcontinent
Serving temperaturehot
Main ingredients Gram flour, vegetables
Similar dishes Pakora and other fritters made from wheat or corn flour
  •   Commons-logo.svg Media: Bhaji

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 Pakistan. 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.

Contents

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. [2] Regional versions include the potato-based bonda (in South India), [3] [4] vada [5] (originally with potato, in Maharashtra [6] ) and gota (in Gujarat), made with green fenugreek leaves. [7]

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. [8]

References

  1. 1 2 Cloake, Felicity (13 November 2013). "How to make the perfect onion bhajis". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  2. ↑ Ayto, John (1994). A Gourmet's Guide: Food and Drink from A to Z (1 ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 28. ISBN   978-0192800251.
  3. ↑ "Take pride in the bonda or pakora. It is our gift to the world". Hindustan Times. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
  4. ↑ Gupta, Chef Niru (1 February 2016). "10 Best Karnataka (Kannada) Recipes". food.ndtv.com. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
  5. ↑ Usha Raina; et al., eds. (2001). Basic Food Preparation (3rd ed.). Orient Blackswan. pp. 294–295. ISBN   978-8125023005.
  6. ↑ Deccan Herald: Bole to yeh vada pav hai! Archived October 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ Kumar, Praveen (15 January 2023). "Methi Na Gota". Awesome Cuisine.
  8. ↑ "Largest onion bhaji". Guinness World Records . Retrieved 11 March 2021.
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