Bhaji

Stuffed mirchi (chili) bhaji served in an Indian restaurant
Alternative names	Bhaji, bajji, Onion Bhaji, Bhajia (Gujarati)
Type	Fritter
Place of origin	India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh
Region or state	Indian subcontinent
Serving temperature	hot
Main ingredients	Gram flour, vegetables
Similar dishes	Pakora and other fritters made from wheat or corn flour
Media: 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 and is also very popular in Pakistan. 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.

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 with 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. Banana peppers are used 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 a slice of lemon, or with mango chutney, and are traditionally made to a mild taste.^[1]

Gallery

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