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Bhajias

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Author: Imma
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Bhajias, East African Snack,  enjoyed  especially in Kenya and Tanzania, a cultural import from the Indians dipped  in  a thick gram flour paste of spices ,herbs and fried until crispy.

Bjaijas

 Quick, Easy and Utterly Addictive!!! Words can begin to describe these fried potatoes – paired with chutney and you will be singing for joy.

 So, you want to make fries that are not bland, good for the taste buds and somewhat healthy? Obviously potato fries aren’t inherently a healthy dish, but the spices add some nutritional value to this “puff up potatoes”.

Bhajias

 

One of my readers requested these crispy-fried potatoes. Just a quick glance through the list of ingredients and I said No way! How can I make a recipe that most of the ingredients are not on my nice list? Yes, I do have a nice and naughty list. No, just kidding. I just wasn’t inspired to make it.

Then while browsing my neighborhood Indian market, I met a very sweet lady, who is from Kenyan. Our conversation naturally moved towards food, like most of my conversations do.

Bjajais

 

We spend about 30 minutes reminiscing about our favorite after school snacks in Africa, hers turned out to be Bjaijas. Before we parted ways she said I had to try it and so I did. And guest what? I can see why see it is such a beloved snack or side in Kenya.

 

These Bhajias are too die for- Crispy, spicy and flavorful. These are definitely not your average bland. Boring potatoes fries. NOOO. You’ve got to make it.

Bhajias

 

The spices are pretty generic except the seeds and gram flour, which you can find at any Indian super market or just adjust to suit your taste buds.

Enjoy!!!! 

Bhajias
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Bhajias

Bhajias - East African snack enjoyed especially in Kenya and Tanzania, a cultural import from the Indians dipped in a thick gram flour paste of spices ,herbs and fried until crispy.
4.78 from 18 votes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
African
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 large potatoes sliced thinly (I used russet)
  • ½ cup gram flour
  • 1 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice or corn flour
  • 1-2 teaspoons spice cumin or coriander or carom seeds
  • ½- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sriracha
  • ¼ cup or more fresh herbs coriander, parsley or cilantro
  • 1/3 cup water plus more
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or more adjust to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine gram flour, rice flour, ginger spice, hot pepper, salt and herbs.
  • Add water a little at a time- enough to form a thick paste that coats the back of a spoon.
  • Put potatoes in the same bowl, a small batch at a time and make sure each slice is coated.
  • Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavor
  • Heat up a large skillet or cast iron with oil up to ½ inch- medium-high heat.
  • Fry the bhajias batches, turning once, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan (it will cause the bhajias to be soggy and absorb excess oil.
  • Repeat process until all the potatoes has been fried . Do add more flour to the batter as needed when it thins out. Adjust with spices
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer bhajias to pan lined with paper towels.
  • Serve warm with this kachumbari, ketchup or chutney

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 131kcal (7%)| Carbohydrates: 24g (8%)| Protein: 6g (12%)| Fat: 1g (2%)| Sodium: 314mg (14%)| Potassium: 587mg (17%)| Fiber: 4g (17%)| Sugar: 1g (1%)| Vitamin A: 335IU (7%)| Vitamin C: 19.8mg (24%)| Calcium: 47mg (5%)| Iron: 4.5mg (25%)
Author: Imma
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: African
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Nutrition Facts
Bhajias
Amount Per Serving
Calories 131 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Sodium 314mg14%
Potassium 587mg17%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 335IU7%
Vitamin C 19.8mg24%
Calcium 47mg5%
Iron 4.5mg25%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Comments & Reviews

  1. Karen says

    5 stars
    This sounds delicious! I am making these as appetizers for a night on our family vacation. I will definitely report back on how we enjoyed them.
    Would you have a South African cocktail that I could also make?

    Reply

    • Immaculate Bites says

      Yay! Let me know how it goes, Karen!
      I don’t think I have a South African cocktail but you can check out my Beverages category and you might find some hidden gem for you 🙂

      Reply

  4. Caroline says

    Hi! I am happy I found this, I grew up in Tanzania! And I’m looking for the Bhajias I used to eat as a kid, samosas and bhajias was one of my favourites! But they were round and dark, do you know them? and usually accompanied by coconut chutney. I think they could have been meat balls, and I am a vegetarian now, but I would love to know what they were to try and make something similar with veggies. They weren’t pakora, can you help me? Thank you and congrats for your beautiful site

    Reply

    • Anna says

      Hi Caroline, I may know which ones you are talking about. There are 2 common types in Tanzania: bhajias made from chick peas flour or ones made with cowpeas flour. You can search the recipes on YouTube, ‘Bajia za dengu’ are made with chickpeas flour and ‘Bajia za kunde’ are made with grinded cowpeas. I hope this helps, goodluck. A friend from Tz.

      Reply

  5. elisa says

    Hi I will be making your recepie for 60 people, i asume they cannot be made ahead of time and reheated in an oven?
    please let me know.
    thai you.

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Hi Elisa, Bhajias are best made the day of the event, especially if you plan on serving it to guests.

      Reply

      • ImmaculateBites says

        Hi Ivy! Well…gram flour being a legume flour has a particular taste which lends itself nicely to these Bhajias. Soybean flour or buckwheat flour would normally work better as substitutes. However, given the current situation, I would say go ahead and use cornflour. It may not have the authentic Bhajias taste, but I bet it will still be delicious 🙂 . Do let me know how it works out for you.

  6. Wendy Clapp says

    Thank you so much for this recipe! I live in America and had never heard of these.
    I saw them made on an Australian cooking show(The cooks line) and thought they looked so delicious and intriguing so I googled them and found your site. I just finished eating them and they were so delicious I wanted to thank you for sharing this recipe! I can’t wait to make these for a party!

    Reply

    • imma africanbites says

      So glad you’ve found this. This one is a keeper indeed! And welcome to the blog. 🙂

      Reply

  7. Nupur says

    5 stars
    I love bhajiyas I’m an Indian and in India you can find bhajiyas every where thanks for the recipe it’s yummy.

    Reply

  9. wilkister says

    HI,

    can i just do bhajia with gram flour only without potatoesand if so ,how do i go about it. In the event i decide to do with all the other ingredients, can i leave out corn floor?

    Reply