Bhaji

A bhaji is a type of fritter originating from 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, it is also very popular in Pakistan and it can be found for sale in street-side stalls, especially in tapris (Marathi: टपरी) (on streets) and dhabas (Punjabi: ਢਾਬਾ) (on highways). It is also a common starter in Anglo-Indian cuisine across the United Kingdom.

For other uses, see Bhaji (disambiguation).
Bhaji
Stuffed mirchi (chili) bhaji served in an Indian restaurant
Alternative namesBhaji, bajji, Onion Bhaji, Bhajia (Gujarati)
TypeFritter
Place of originIndia, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh
Region or stateIndian subcontinent
Serving temperaturehot
Main ingredientsGram flour, vegetables
Similar dishesPakora and other fritters made from wheat or corn flour

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.[2]

Regional varieties

Outside Southern and Western India, such preparations are often known as pakora. Its variations include the chili bajji, potato bajji, onion bajji, plantain bajji and the bread bajji (or bread pakora). Another version is called bonda (in south India), vada (in Maharashtra) and Gota (in Gujarat). Bonda has potato or mixed vegetable filling while Gota is made by green fenugreek leaves.

Cultural significance

Bhajis are a component of traditional Punjabi Pakistani and Gujarati Marathi, Tamil, Kannada 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. They use banana peppers for making mirchi bhajji.

Onion bhajis are often eaten as a starter in Anglo-Indian restaurants before the main course, along with poppadoms and other Indian snacks. They may be served with a side of salad and slice of lemon, or with mango chutney, and are traditionally made to a mild taste.[1]

  • Banana pepper used in mirchi bhaji
    Banana pepper used in mirchi bhaji
  • A close-up of bajji
    A close-up of bajji
  • Preparation of bajjis in South India
    Preparation of bajjis in South India
  • A variant: aloo bajji
    A variant: aloo bajji
  • Onion bajji
    Onion bajji
  • Kanda Bhaji
    Kanda Bhaji

References
  1. Cloake, Felicity (13 November 2013). "How to make the perfect onion bhajis". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  2. "Largest onion bhaji". Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  • Media related to Bhaji at Wikimedia Commons
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