Bhaji Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Ideas

Bhaji is a beloved Indian snack that brings together crispy, golden-brown fritters bursting with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. Traditionally enjoyed during monsoon evenings or as a teatime treat, bhajis are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to make.

This vegan bhaji recipe is perfect for those looking to savor authentic flavors without any animal products. Using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these crunchy delights in no time.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this recipe guarantees a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce your family or guests to the magic of Indian street food right at home.

So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of vegan bhaji!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bhaji recipe stands out because it’s:

• Plant-based and allergen-friendly: No dairy, eggs, or gluten if you choose chickpea flour (besan) carefully.
• Quick and easy: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can have tasty bhajis ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, and make it your own.
• Crispy and flavorful: The perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft, spiced interior.
• Great for any occasion: Ideal for snacks, appetizers, or party platters.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium potato, thinly sliced or grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the onion and potato. If you prefer, you can grate the potato for a different texture. Finely chop the green chili and coriander leaves.
2. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Slowly add water while stirring to form a thick, smooth batter that can coat the vegetables well.
3. Add the vegetables: Mix in the sliced onion, potato, green chili, and coriander leaves into the batter. Ensure all the pieces are well coated with the spiced chickpea mixture.
4. Heat the oil: Pour oil into your frying pan or wok to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C) or until a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
5. Fry the bhajis: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter-vegetable mixture into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. Fry each bhaji for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning occasionally for even cooking.
6. Drain and serve: Remove the bhajis with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, ensure your chickpea flour is pure and uncontaminated.

• Vegetable swaps: Try adding sliced bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots to the batter for varied flavors and colors.
• Spice it up: Adjust the chili powder and green chili quantity to suit your heat preference.
• Air-fry option: For a lighter version, you can air-fry the bhajis at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, though texture will differ slightly.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use chickpea flour and avoid cross-contamination.
• Serve with chutneys: Mint, tamarind, or coconut chutneys complement bhajis wonderfully.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan bhajis are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair them with cooling mint chutney or tangy tamarind sauce for an authentic experience.

They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a cup of masala chai, perfect for snack time or a light appetizer before dinner.

For a heartier meal, serve bhajis alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of vegan lentil soup. If you’re interested in trying more delicious vegan recipes, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or the wholesome Collard Green Casserole Recipes.

Conclusion

Making vegan bhaji at home is a rewarding way to enjoy a classic Indian snack with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. The balance of crispy texture and warming spices makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Plus, its simplicity means you can whip it up quickly, even on busy days. This recipe invites creativity, so feel free to experiment with different veggies and spice blends to suit your palate.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a flavorful snack, these vegan bhajis are sure to impress. And when you’re ready to explore more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out our delightful Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or satisfy your sweet tooth with the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bhaji Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and crispy vegan bhaji made with gram flour and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup gram flour (besan)”, “1 medium onion, thinly sliced”, “1 medium potato, thinly sliced”, “1 green chili, finely chopped”, “1/2 tsp turmeric powder”, “1/2 tsp red chili powder”, “1/2 tsp cumin seeds”, “1/2 tsp baking soda”, “1/2 cup water”, “Salt to taste”, “Oil for deep frying”, “Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix gram flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add water gradually to form a thick batter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions, potatoes, green chili, and coriander leaves into the batter and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden and crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove bhajis with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}