Bajra Vada Veg Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Bajra vada is a delightful and wholesome Indian snack that beautifully showcases the nutty flavor of pearl millet (bajra). Traditionally enjoyed during the winter months, these crispy fritters are packed with spices and herbs, making them a perfect comfort food.

Not only are bajra vadas delicious, but they are also incredibly nutritious, providing a rich source of fiber, protein, and essential minerals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through making perfect bajra vadas that are crunchy on the outside and soft inside.

Paired with chutneys or a hot cup of tea, bajra vadas make an excellent snack or appetizer for any occasion.

If you’re looking to explore more nutritious and tasty Indian snacks, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, making bajra vadas at home allows you to control the spices and ingredients, ensuring a fresh and wholesome treat.

Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bajra vadas are not only tasty but also incredibly healthy. Made from pearl millet, they are gluten-free and rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and heart health.

The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple, readily available ingredients, perfect for a quick snack or a festive treat. The combination of spices and fresh herbs gives these vadas a vibrant flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tweak the spices and add your favorite veggies to suit your taste. Plus, these vadas are deep-fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior.

If you love experimenting with wholesome ingredients, you might also enjoy our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or our flavorful Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup bajra (pearl millet) flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Grater (for carrot and ginger)
  • Deep frying pan or kadai
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Plate lined with paper towels

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine bajra flour, chopped onions, grated carrot, green chilies, coriander leaves, and grated ginger.
  2. Add spices: Sprinkle in cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
  3. Add lemon juice: Pour in the lemon juice and mix well. This adds a tangy flavor that brightens up the vadas.
  4. Make the dough: Gradually add water little by little and knead the mixture into a slightly thick, sticky batter. It should hold together when shaped but not be watery.
  5. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or kadai, heat enough oil on medium heat for deep frying. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
  6. Shape the vadas: Wet your hands slightly and take small portions of the batter. Shape them into flat round discs or slightly thick patties.
  7. Fry the vadas: Carefully slide the shaped batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  8. Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the vadas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  9. Serve hot: Enjoy your bajra vadas hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or simply with a cup of masala chai.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, you can add a handful of crushed peanuts or roasted chana dal to the batter. This adds a delightful texture and nuttiness.

Try adding finely chopped spinach or methi leaves for a nutritious twist and a splash of green color.

If you prefer a gluten-free snack, bajra vadas are naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free spices and ingredients.

To make the vadas healthier, you can shallow fry or bake them, though deep frying gives the best traditional crunch.

For a milder flavor, reduce the number of green chilies or omit the red chili powder.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (2 vadas approx.)
Calories 180 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 6 g
Iron 2.5 mg
Calcium 40 mg

Serving Suggestions

Bajra vadas are best served hot and fresh. Pair them with classic Indian chutneys like mint-coriander chutney or tamarind-date chutney for a burst of complementary flavors.

They also go wonderfully with a bowl of spicy tomato ketchup for a quick snack.

For a more filling meal, serve bajra vadas alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of yogurt raita to balance the spices. They can also be enjoyed with a hot cup of masala chai, making for the perfect teatime snack.

If you love exploring traditional recipes, consider pairing bajra vadas with some homemade Indian breads like chapati or try our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe for a fusion twist.

Conclusion

Bajra vada is a delicious and nutritious Indian snack that brings wholesome goodness to your table. Its rustic flavor, combined with the warmth of aromatic spices, makes it a favorite among millet enthusiasts and health-conscious food lovers alike.

Whether you’re enjoying it as an evening snack or serving it at a festive gathering, these vadas never fail to impress.

By making these at home, you get to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking, ensuring a fresh and healthy treat. Don’t forget to explore other comforting recipes like our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the sweet delight of our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe to satisfy your culinary curiosity.

Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

📖 Recipe Card: Bajra Vada Veg Recipes

Description: Crispy and nutritious bajra vadas made with pearl millet and mixed vegetables. Perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup bajra (pearl millet) flour
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Mix bajra flour, grated carrot, onion, coriander, green chilies, and spices in a bowl.
  2. Add ginger-garlic paste and salt, then slowly add water to form a thick batter.
  3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Shape the batter into small round vadas using your hands.
  5. Carefully drop vadas into hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  7. Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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