15 Bhaji Recipes for Delicious Snacking Enjoyment

Bhajis are popular snacks that bring bold flavors and exciting textures to your table. If you are looking for a tasty appetizer or a satisfying treat, bhaji recipes offer a delightful way to explore Indian cuisine. These crispy fritters can be made from various ingredients, including onions, vegetables, and spices, making them versatile and fun to prepare.

You can easily enjoy bhajis at home, impressing family and friends with your cooking skills. In this article, you will discover a range of bhaji recipes that showcase different ingredients and cooking methods, allowing you to find the perfect fit for any occasion.

1) Crispy Onion Bhaji

Crispy onion bhajis are a delicious snack or appetizer. They are made using sliced onions and a chickpea flour batter. This snack is popular in Indian cuisine and is perfect for sharing.

To make them, you will slice the onions thinly. Then mix them with spices and flour to create a flavorful batter. You can fry or bake them until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy with a dipping sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 large onions
• 1 cup chickpea flour
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 serrano chile, chopped
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• Water, as needed for batter
• Oil for frying or baking

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and thinly slice the onions.
2. In a large bowl, mix onions with chickpea flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cilantro and serrano chile to the bowl.
4. Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
5. Heat oil in a pan or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into hot oil or onto a baking sheet.
7. Fry or bake for 30-40 minutes until crispy and golden.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sauce.

2) Traditional Pav Bhaji

Traditional Pav Bhaji is a popular street food from Mumbai. It features a mix of mashed vegetables, like potatoes and peas, cooked with a special spice blend. The dish is served with soft, buttered bread rolls known as pav.

To make authentic Pav Bhaji, you will need fresh ingredients and some common spices. The dish is usually garnished with chopped onions and cilantro, adding flavor and color.

You can cook it on the stovetop or use an Instant Pot for convenience. This dish is perfect for a casual meal or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 pav (bread rolls)
• Chopped cilantro and onion for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes and peas until soft.
2. Mash them together in a bowl.
3. Heat butter in a pan and add onions. Cook until translucent.
4. Add tomatoes and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
5. Stir in the mashed vegetables and pav bhaji masala.
6. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes.
7. Toast the pav in butter on a skillet.
8. Serve the bhaji with toasted pav and garnish with onions and cilantro.

3) Spicy Mixed Vegetable Bhaji

Spicy Mixed Vegetable Bhaji is a delightful dish packed with flavor. It combines a variety of vegetables cooked in spices, making it hearty and comforting. Serve it with buttered buns for a true street food experience.

To make this dish, you can use vegetables like potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers. The spices are key, including cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.

This recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s also a great choice for gatherings or when you want a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, peas, carrots, bell peppers)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Butter for serving
• Buns to serve

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add mixed vegetables and spices.
5. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot with buttered buns. Enjoy!

4) Cauliflower and Potato Bhaji

Cauliflower and Potato Bhaji is a tasty dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with spices. This recipe is simple and perfect for a side dish or a light meal.

To make this bhaji, start with one small cauliflower cut into florets and one medium potato diced into small pieces. You can also add peas for extra color and nutrition.

For cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, diced onions, ginger, and garlic. Cook until softened, then stir in the cauliflower, potatoes, and spices. Add water to help steam the vegetables.

Cook everything until the cauliflower and potato are tender. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 small cauliflower
• 1 medium potato
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Cumin seeds
• Diced onions, ginger, garlic
• Spices (as desired)
• Water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add cumin seeds, onions, ginger, and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Add cauliflower, potato, and spices.
4. Pour in water to steam.
5. Cook until vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with coriander and serve.

5) Baked Onion Bhaji

Baked onion bhaji is a delicious and healthier alternative to the fried version. You get the same great taste with less oil.

To start, you’ll need to slice onions thinly and mix them with spices. Common spices include turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This combination adds depth and flavor.

Next, you’ll coat the onions in a batter made from gram flour. This keeps them crispy while they bake. Place the bhajis on a baking sheet and bake them until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 3 large onions
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2.5 cm piece of ginger, cut into matchsticks
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
• 100 grams gram flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the onions and mix them with salt and spices.
3. Add gram flour and mix until the onions are coated.
4. Place the mixture on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

6) Quick Carrot Bhaji

Quick Carrot Bhaji is a flavorful and easy snack to make. This dish uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days. You’ll enjoy the spiced carrot fritters, which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To get started, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh carrots, onion, and chickpea flour. Spices like cumin and turmeric bring out the flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots, grated
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix grated carrots and chopped onion.
2. Add chickpea flour, cumin seeds, turmeric, and salt.
3. Gradually add water to make a thick batter.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil.
6. Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

7) Mumbai Street Style Pav Bhaji

Mumbai Street Style Pav Bhaji is a vibrant and flavorful dish you can easily make at home. This street food favorite combines mashed vegetables with spices, served with buttery bread rolls. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack.

To make this dish, you’ll use potatoes, tomatoes, and a mix of other vegetables like carrots and peas. The key is to mash everything well and cook it with special pav bhaji masala, which gives it a unique taste.

For serving, toast the bread rolls in butter until they are golden brown. Pair it with chopped onions and fresh coriander for added flavor. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious meal!

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 large onion
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 4 buttered bread rolls
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Chopped onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes and mixed vegetables until soft.
2. Mash them together in a pan.
3. In a separate pan, sauté chopped onions until golden.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Stir in the pav bhaji masala.
6. Mix in the mashed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
7. Toast the bread rolls in butter until golden.
8. Serve the bhaji hot with the buttered rolls, garnished with onions and coriander.

8) Easy No-Fry Onion Bhaji

You can enjoy onion bhajis without deep frying. This method gives you crispy bhajis with less oil.

Start by finely slicing your onions. Mix them with gram flour, rice flour, and your favorite spices. This mix creates a tasty coating.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape your onion mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.

These bhajis are a great snack or appetizer. Serve them with chutney or yogurt for extra flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 large onions
• 1 cup gram flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Finely slice the onions.
3. In a bowl, mix onions with gram flour, rice flour, spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Add water if needed to form a thick paste.
5. Shape the mixture into small balls.
6. Place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.

9) Gluten-Free Onion Bhaji

Gluten-free onion bhajis are delicious and easy to make. They are crispy and full of flavor, perfect as a snack or starter. You can enjoy them without worrying about gluten.

To make these bhajis, you will need ingredients like gram flour, onions, and spices. The mix of spices adds a nice kick to every bite.

You can bake them or pan-fry them, depending on what you prefer. This recipe does not require deep frying, which makes it healthier.

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions
• 100g gram flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Spices (like cumin and coriander)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the onions thinly and place them in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix the gram flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. Add water to create a thick paste.
4. Combine the onions with the paste.
5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil and cook until golden.

10) Herbed Onion Bhaji

Herbed onion bhajis are a tasty twist on the classic recipe. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can really enhance the flavor. The blend of spices and herbs makes these bhajis extra special.

To make these crunch, slice your onions thinly. Combine them with chickpea flour, spices, and your choice of chopped herbs. Let the mixture rest for a bit to help the flavors meld together.

When you’re ready, heat oil to 350°F (180°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 cup fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Thinly slice the onions.
2. In a bowl, mix onions with chickpea flour, spices, and herbs.
3. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
5. Drop batter into hot oil.
6. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
7. Remove and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

11) Butter-Toasted Pav Bhaji

Butter-toasted Pav Bhaji is a delightful dish that combines a spicy vegetable curry with soft, buttery bread rolls. This classic street food from Mumbai is perfect for any meal.

To make it, start by preparing the bhaji, which is a flavorful mash of mixed vegetables cooked with spices. While the bhaji simmers, you can get your pav ready.

Cut each pav horizontally and spread butter on the cut sides. Toast the pav in a pan or an oven preheated to 240°C (460°F) until they are golden and crisp.

Serve the hot bhaji with your warm, buttered pav for a delicious experience. Don’t forget to add chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor!

Ingredients

• Pav (bread rolls)
• Butter
• Mixed vegetables (like potatoes, peas, and bell peppers)
• Pav Bhaji masala
• Chopped onions
• Lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the bhaji by cooking mixed vegetables with spices.
2. Cut the pav rolls and spread butter on each side.
3. Toast the pav in a pan or oven at 240°C (460°F) until golden.
4. Serve the bhaji with toasted pav and toppings.

12) Simple Potato Bhaji

Simple Potato Bhaji is a delicious and easy dish to make. It’s perfect as a side for your meals. You can enjoy it with roti or serve it alongside rice.

To start, you will need boiled and cubed potatoes. The cooking process is quick, making this a great option for busy days. The dish gets its flavor from a handful of spices, keeping it straightforward.

Just sauté some mustard and cumin seeds, then add the potatoes. Mix in some green chilies and curry leaves for extra taste. Cook everything together until the spices are well combined.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 2 chopped green chilies
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add mustard and cumin seeds; let them sizzle.
3. Add curry leaves and green chilies.
4. Stir in the boiled potatoes and season with salt.
5. Cook for about 5 minutes, mixing well. Enjoy!

13) Vegan-Friendly Bhaji Recipe

Making vegan bhajis is easy and fun. You’ll enjoy these crispy treats as a snack or side dish.

For this recipe, you will need a few simple ingredients. Chop onions and mix them with spices, gram flour, and water to create a batter.

Heat oil in a deep pan to about 340°F (170°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve your bhajis with chutney or yogurt. They are delicious and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix onions, gram flour, spices, and salt.
2. Add enough water to form a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 340°F (170°C).
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil.
5. Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

14) Instant Pot Pav Bhaji

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji is a quick and fun way to enjoy this popular dish. This recipe combines spiced mashed vegetables with soft, toasted bread. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in your Instant Pot. Then, add mixed vegetables like potatoes, peas, and bell peppers. Pour in water, seal the lid, and pressure cook for 10 minutes.

Once done, mash the veggies to your liking. Serve with buttery toasted pav and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Pav (dinner rolls)

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting.
2. Melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until golden.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and pav bhaji masala; stir well.
4. Pour in water, then seal the lid.
5. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Release the pressure, mash the mixture, and serve hot with toasted pav.

15) Spicy Chickpea Bhaji

Spicy Chickpea Bhaji is a delicious and easy snack. You can make this dish in about 30 minutes. It is perfect for tea time or as an appetizer.

To start, you’ll need chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a mix of spices like garam masala and chili powder. These ingredients come together to create a tasty treat.

Begin by frying the onions until they are golden. Then, add the tomatoes and spices. Finally, mix in the chickpeas and cook until everything is warm and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.

3. Stir in the chopped tomato and spices.

4. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the chickpeas.

5. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve hot and enjoy!