Aratikaya Bajji Veg Recipes of India Made Easy

Aratikaya Bajji, also known as raw banana fritters, is a beloved snack across India, especially popular in South Indian households. This crispy, golden delight is made from raw bananas (aratikaya or plantains) dipped in a flavorful chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to perfection.

It’s the perfect treat for rainy days or tea-time cravings, offering a wonderful blend of crunchy exterior and soft, mildly sweet interior. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is simple to make and guarantees a hearty dose of comfort in every bite.

In this blog post, we’ll explore authentic Indian aratikaya bajji recipes, share tips for the best results, and suggest delicious variations to keep your taste buds excited. Plus, you’ll find some handy serving ideas and nutritional insights to round out your cooking experience.

Ready to dive into the world of crispy, savory bajjis? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aratikaya Bajji is a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity and flavor effortlessly. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy raw bananas, which are packed with nutrients like potassium and fiber.

The crunchy chickpea flour batter seasoned with spices creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.

This recipe is versatile, quick to prepare, and pairs wonderfully with chutneys or sauces. Plus, frying these bajjis brings out a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an inviting snack for family and friends.

Whether served as an appetizer or a teatime snack, these bajjis are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 medium raw bananas (aratikaya or plantains)
• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 tbsp rice flour (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed to make batter
• Oil for deep frying

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Peeler (optional, for peeling bananas)
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the raw bananas: Peel the raw bananas using a knife or peeler. Slice them into ¼ inch thick rounds or diagonally for a larger surface area.
2. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida, cumin seeds, carom seeds, and salt. Gradually add water and whisk to create a smooth, thick batter that can coat the banana slices evenly.
3. Heat oil: Pour oil into a frying pan or deep fryer and heat it over medium heat until it reaches the correct frying temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
4. Coat the banana slices: Dip each banana slice into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
5. Fry the bajjis: Carefully drop the coated banana slices into the hot oil. Fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain excess oil: Remove the bajjis with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
7. Serve hot: Enjoy your aratikaya bajji warm with chutney, ketchup, or a sprinkle of chaat masala.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crispy bajjis, add a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter and make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Overcrowding the pan cools the oil and makes the bajjis soggy.”

• Variation 1: Add finely chopped green chilies and coriander leaves to the batter for a fresh, spicy twist.
• Variation 2: Use mashed raw banana mixed with spices as a filling inside a chickpea flour batter coating for stuffed bajjis.
• Variation 3: Try air frying the bajjis for a healthier version with less oil.
• Serving dip ideas: Pair with coconut chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Aratikaya bajji can be served as a standalone snack or paired with a variety of accompaniments. It pairs wonderfully with traditional South Indian chutneys like coconut chutney or tangy tamarind chutney.

For a fusion twist, try serving it alongside a spicy tomato ketchup or even a mint yogurt dip. These bajjis are also a fantastic accompaniment to chai (Indian spiced tea) or coffee for teatime.

For a wholesome meal, serve aratikaya bajji with Half Runner Beans Recipe or pair with Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe as a snack platter.

Conclusion

Aratikaya bajji is a classic Indian snack that brings the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort. Its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make it a favorite for all ages.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few simple ingredients, yet it yields a delicious result every time.

By mastering this recipe, you open the door to experimenting with various spices and accompaniments, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it on a rainy day, at a family gathering, or as a quick teatime snack, aratikaya bajji is sure to delight your taste buds.

For more delightful recipes, check out Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe and the indulgent Glazed Twist Donut Recipe. Happy cooking!

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