How To Make Delicious Kenyan Bhajia
Want to make delicious bhajia at home? In this piece, I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Kenyan bhajia at home.
Bhajia is a popular snack in Kenya. It’s made by dipping slices of vegetables, such as potatoes or onions, in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-frying them until they’re crispy and golden brown. Bhajias are often served with chutney or ketchup for added flavor. They make for a delicious and crunchy treat!
Bhajia Ingredients
To make bhajia, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. Vegetables
You can use a variety of vegetables like potatoes, onions, eggplants (brinjals), or even spinach leaves. Slice them thinly.
2. Chickpea Flour (Besan)
This is the main ingredient for the batter. You can also normal flour.
3. Spices
You can customize the spices to your taste, but common ones include:
- Red chili powder or paprika
- Turmeric powder
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala (optional)
- Salt to taste
4. Water
For making the batter. Adjust the quantity to get the right consistency.
5. Cooking Oil
For deep-frying the bhajias.
6. Fresh Herbs (Optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro or mint leaves can be added to the batter for extra flavor.
7. Baking Soda (Optional)
A small pinch of baking soda can be used to make the bhajias more fluffy.
Remember that the exact measurements may vary depending on the quantity you want to prepare and your personal taste preferences.
How To Make Delicious Kenyan Bhajia Step-by-Step
Here is the procedure:
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and thinly slice the vegetables of your choice. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
Step 2. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, add chickpea flour (besan), red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala (if using), and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
If desired, add a small pinch of baking soda to the mixture for fluffier bhajias.
Gradually add water while whisking to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3. Add Fresh Herbs (Optional)
If using fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chop them finely and add them to the batter for extra flavor.
Step 4. Heat Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan or kadai and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Step 5. Coat the Vegetables
Dip the sliced vegetables into the prepared batter, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 6. Fry the Bhajias
Carefully place the coated vegetables into the hot oil, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them to ensure even cooking.
Step 7. Drain Excess Oil
Once they are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bhajias from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8. Serve Hot
Bhajias are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them with your favorite chutney or sauce.
Enjoy your homemade bhajias as a delicious snack or side dish!
You can check out more delicious dish recipes like how to make the best shawarma at home, how to make Swahili chicken biryani, and how to make Kenyan pilau.
