These iconic fritters are so tasty, they’ll make you forget all your woes and maybe even your diet!
Who doesn’t love a crispy bhajiya? In India, fritters come in all kinds of styles. Up north, they’re usually veggie-based, dipped in a spiced batter, and deep-fried. Down south, lentil fritters with curry leaves and chillis steal the show. Coastal regions use local greens, while eastern India brings in unique ingredients like banana flowers. In India, these fritters are symbolic of emotions and are frequently served at big gatherings. Here’s a look at some of the best!
Vada is a South Indian favourite, and Medu Vada is extremely popular! It’s made from ground urad dal (black lentils) mixed with spices like curry leaves and green chilies. Shaped like little doughnuts and fried until golden and crispy, these vadas are soft and fluffy inside. They're usually served with coconut chutney and sambar, making them a go-to for breakfast or a tasty snack.
Mangalore Bajji, or Goli Bajje, hails from coastal Karnataka and is absolutely delicious! These fritters are soft and fluffy inside, made from a fermented mix of all-purpose flour, curd, and spices like ginger and green chilies. The batter is shaped into little balls and deep-fried until crispy. They're usually enjoyed as an evening snack, paired with coconut chutney or spicy sauces.
In Maharashtra, "bhaji" is a catch-all term for fritters, especially those made with veggies like potatoes, eggplant, or chilies. Batata Bhaji, with thinly sliced potatoes dipped in a spicy chickpea batter and fried to crispy perfection, is a classic. Onion Bhaji is another popular pick. These fritters are often paired with pav (bread), making for a tasty and satisfying snack.
If you're into spicy snacks, you’ve got to try Mirchi Pakoras! In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, they’re also known as Mirchi Bada. These are big green chillies stuffed with a spicy potato filling, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried to perfection. They’re amazing with a hot cup of chai, especially on a rainy day or when catching up with friends.
Packed with flavour and totally irresistible, cauliflower pakodas are a snack you won’t want to miss. Also known as Gobi Pakodas, these little bites of cauliflower are marinated in aromatic Indian spices, coated in chickpea flour, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish or a starter, these tasty treats are a global favourite!
Tired of boring bread? Spice things up with bread pakoras! Stuff spiced potato filling between two slices of bread, dip them in gram flour batter, and fry until crispy. It’s the perfect teatime snack, no matter the season.
Mochar Chop is a famous Bengali snack featuring banana flower, or mocha. The flower is finely chopped and mixed with mashed potatoes, spices, and sometimes peanuts or coconut. These are shaped into patties, coated in breadcrumbs or gram flour, and fried until crispy. Served with mustard sauce or green chutney, Mochar Chop is a tasty and unique starter, especially during Bengali celebrations.
So, why not make your weekend epic? Grab your favourite ingredients and have a pakora party. After all, who needs a reason to enjoy some crispy, spicy goodness
