BHAJIA (CHILI BITES)

 

---

This Indian Recipe Makes ± 30 Pieces

---

 

Bhajia (Chili Bites) is a fiery Indian snack or entree dish like a fritter, with a few variations.

It is normally served as a topping with different Indian meals, however it is well known to be eaten alone as a snack. It is preferably eaten on cold winter days as it is a comfort snack.

Chili Bites consist of chickpea (gram or chana) flour & it can be made from scratch but the premixes are readily available & for this recipe I am using the premix from Gorimas.

Serve hot with a dip of your choice if preferred.

 

Bhajia (Chili Bites) Ingredients:

• 250 grams chili bite mix 
• 1 onion
• 4 green chilies (depending on the spiciness you prefer)
• 2 red chilies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (depending on the spiciness you prefer)
• ¼ bunch fresh coriander (dhania)
• 1 cup chopped spinach (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds (optional)
• ± ½ – 1 cup cold milk
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• salt to taste
• vegetable oil for deep frying
• small bowl of water

Method:

1. For this recipe I am using the premix of Gorimas Chili Bite Mix.
2. 
3. Peel & chop the onions.
4. 
5. Rinse & finely chop the green chilies (& red chilies if using them).
6. 
7. Rinse & roughly chop the coriander (dhania).
8. 
9. Spinach is optional but adding it in does really add to the flavour so if using it give it a rinse & chop it up.
10. 
11. To a mixing bowl, add in the 250 grams of chili bite mix.
12. 
13. Add in salt, baking powder & red chili flakes.
14. 
15. Add cumin (jeera) seeds which is optional & add the chopped green chilies.
16. 
17. Next, add in the chopped coriander (dhania) & chopped onions.
18. 
19. Add in the chopped spinach which is also optional.
20. 
21. Mix everything well.
22. 
23. Gradually stir in the milk. Using milk doesn’t allow the bhajia (chili bites) to retain oil.
24. 
25. 
26. As the milk is being stirred in, it should form a thick batter.
27. 
28. The consistency should be a bit thick as it should hold the shape of a mushy ball.
29. 
30. Set the mixture aside & add enough vegetable oil to a pot on medium heat.
31. 
32. Keep a small bowl of water next to your stove as you will be using this when deep frying.
33. 
34. When the oil is hot enough, dip your hands into the bowl of water. This will prevent the batter from sticking to your hands.
35. 
36. Carefully shape the mixture into golf sized balls & drop into the oil.
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. Do not over full the pot & allow them to fry for 5-8 minutes until the bottom side is golden.
41. 
42. Once golden on the bottom side, carefully flip them over & allow the other side to fry until golden.
43. 
44. 
45. Once they are cooked throughout & golden all around, remove from the hot oil & place onto a paper towel to drain out the excess oil.
46. 
47. Plate & serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
48. 
49. 
50. The inside should be fluffy & there should not be any uncooked batter.
51. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]