Bhakarwadi is a beloved traditional snack from Maharashtra, India, known for its crispy texture and delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. This deep-fried spiral snack is stuffed with a flavorful filling made from a mix of spices, coconut, poppy seeds, and gram flour, wrapped in a wheat flour dough.
What makes bhakarwadi truly special is its unique taste that balances heat and sweetness, making it a perfect teatime companion or a festive treat. While traditionally prepared with non-vegetarian ingredients in some variations, the bhakarwadi veg recipes of India focus on pure vegetarian fillings and doughs, making them accessible and enjoyable for all.
In this blog post, we’ll explore detailed recipes for making authentic vegetarian bhakarwadi at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner craving a crunchy snack with a punch, this guide will walk you through every step.
Get ready to savor the best of Indian flavors with a crispy bite that’s both addictive and heartwarming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bhakarwadi is more than just a snack; it’s an experience. This recipe offers:
- A perfect balance of spices: The filling combines sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that awaken your taste buds.
- Crunchy texture: Deep-fried to golden perfection, these spirals deliver an irresistible crunch in every bite.
- Easy to make at home: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can recreate this classic snack anytime.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Suitable for vegetarians and customizable for various spice levels.
- Great for gifting and parties: Bhakarwadi stores well, making it an ideal homemade gift or party snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole wheat flour (atta) | 2 cups |
Gram flour (besan) | 1/2 cup |
Poppy seeds (khus khus) | 2 tbsp |
Desiccated coconut | 3 tbsp |
Sesame seeds | 1 tbsp |
Red chili powder | 1 tsp (adjust to taste) |
Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
Cumin powder | 1 tsp |
Asafoetida (hing) | a pinch |
Dry mango powder (amchur) | 1 tsp |
Jaggery (grated) | 2 tbsp |
Salt | to taste |
Oil | for deep frying + 1 tbsp for dough |
Water | as needed for kneading |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For dough and filling preparation
- Rolling pin and board: To roll out the dough evenly
- Deep frying pan or kadhai: For frying the bhakarwadi
- Slotted spoon: To remove bhakarwadi from hot oil
- Knife or pizza cutter: To slice the rolled dough into spirals
- Grater: For jaggery and coconut (if fresh)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of oil. Gradually add water and knead into a firm but pliable dough. Cover and set aside for 20-30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Dry roast the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and desiccated coconut on low heat until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Let cool.
- Grind the roasted mixture: Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, coarsely grind the roasted seeds and coconut. Transfer to a bowl.
- Mix the spices: Add gram flour, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, asafoetida, dry mango powder, jaggery, and salt to the ground seed mixture. Combine well to form a dry, crumbly filling.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a thin rectangle (about 8×10 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the filling: Evenly sprinkle the prepared filling over the rolled dough sheet, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Roll into a log: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Slice the log: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the log into 1/2 inch thick spirals.
- Heat oil for frying: In a deep frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough; it should rise to the surface immediately.
- Fry the spirals: Carefully slide 4-5 spirals into the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry on medium-low heat to ensure they cook evenly and become crisp without burning. Turn frequently until golden brown and crisp, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried bhakarwadi with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Cool and store: Let the bhakarwadi cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
For an extra burst of flavor, add roasted fennel seeds to the filling mixture.
If you prefer a spicier snack, increase the red chili powder or add a pinch of black pepper.
Instead of deep frying, you can bake the bhakarwadi at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp for a healthier option.
Experiment with different flours like millet or rice flour for unique textures.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 30g) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 6g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 2g |
Sodium | 110mg |
Serving Suggestions
Bhakarwadi is a versatile snack perfect for tea time, festivals, or as an appetizer. Serve it:
- Alongside a hot cup of Indian chai or coffee for a cozy afternoon.
- With a bowl of tangy yogurt or raita to balance the spices.
- As a crunchy topping over salads or soups for added texture.
- In snack boxes or party platters with other Indian treats.
For more delightful Indian snacks, check out our Chicken Shawarma Trader Joe’S Recipe or indulge your sweet tooth with our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe. You might also love the rich flavors in our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for your next pasta night.
Conclusion
Bhakarwadi is a timeless Indian snack that brings together tradition, flavor, and fun in every crunchy spiral. Making this vegan and vegetarian-friendly recipe at home not only lets you control the spice levels but also fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of roasted spices and fresh dough.
Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or a casual teatime treat, bhakarwadi promises to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Its long shelf life and portability make it a fantastic snack to keep handy or share.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and enjoy crafting this iconic Indian delicacy in your own kitchen!
📖 Recipe Card: Bhakarwadi Veg
Description: Bhakarwadi is a crispy, spicy, and tangy snack from India, made with a savory gram flour dough rolled with a flavorful vegetable filling. It is deep-fried to golden perfection and enjoyed as a tea-time treat.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil (for dough)
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Mix gram flour, all-purpose flour, yogurt, oil, and salt to form a soft dough.
- Prepare filling by mixing grated coconut, cabbage, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
- Roll out the dough into a thin rectangle.
- Spread the vegetable filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the pieces until golden and crisp.
- Drain excess oil and cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal per 2 pieces | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 12 g
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