Bhajji - பஜ்ஜி

Bhajjis are favorite any time snack all over India .The traditional bhajjis are made from potatoes, onions, green plantain (வாழக்காய் ) and brnjals ( egg plant). Green chillies' bhajis are hot and favorite in Andhra Pradesh.Variations include bell peppers,pineapple even apple. It is also very easy to make.

Ingredients: ( for four members)

1. Besan flour (கடலை மாவு ) - 3 cups
2. Rice flour - 1 cup
3. A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
4. Ajwain ( ஓமம் ) - half a teaspoon ( optional - North Indians use this )
5. Red chilli powder
6. Salt - 2 teaspoon or to taste
7. Oil for deep frying
8. Sliced vegetables from Potato,Onion, green plantain,Brinjal ( one each or as desired)

Pre- Preparation:

1. Select your favorite vegetables from the above.
2. Cut them into medium to thin slices. ( too thick a slice will take longer to cook)

Preparation

1. In a big bowl add the gram flour and rice flour along with salt,chilli powder,hing and ajwain ( if required)
2.  Using half a cup of water mix them thoroughly. Add water carefully. It should not too watery or very thick. Test the consistency by trying to dip one slice.
3. The batter should stick to the slice evenly.
4. Pour oil in a deep frying pan.
5. Once the oil is hot, take the vegetable slices one at a time, dip and coat the slice thoroughly and gently slide them into the hot oil. Repeat this as much as the pan can hold the bhajjis for deep frying.
6. Once the bhajjis turn golden brown, carefully remove using a straining ladle ( 'kan karandi' in Tamil).
7. Place them in a bowl ( you can line it with tissue paper to absorb the excess oil) and serve hot.

This goes well with coconut chutney, tomato sauce or just plain hot.