Enjoy the bold flavors of Kenya with this recipe for Kenya Bhajia. Sliced potatoes are dipped in a spicy chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bhajias make a delightful snack or appetizer. Serve them hot with your favorite chutney or sauce for a taste of authentic Kenyan street food.
Here's a recipe for Kenya Bhajia:
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil, for deep frying
Instructions:
1- In a bowl, combine chickpea flour, chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt.
2- Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring until you have a smooth, thick batter.
3- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
4- Dip potato slices into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5- Carefully drop the coated potato slices into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6- Fry the bhajias until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
7- Remove the bhajias from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8- Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce. Enjoy!
Nutritional Values:
Here's the approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients in the Kenya Bhajia recipe per serving:
2 Large Potatoes (Peeled and Thinly Sliced):
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Protein: 7 g
Benefits: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. They are also rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, which support overall health and digestive function.
1 Cup Chickpea Flour (Besan):
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 20 g
Benefits: Chickpea flour is high in protein and fiber, which support satiety and digestive health. It also provides essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
1 Teaspoon Chili Powder:
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
Benefits: Chili powder contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and improve circulation. It adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish.
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder:
- Calories: 4 kcal
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
Benefits: Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports joint health and may improve cognitive function.
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Powder:
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
Benefits: Cumin aids digestion and has antioxidant properties. It adds a warm, earthy flavor and supports immune health.
Salt, to Taste:
- Calories: Negligible
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits: Enhances the flavor of the dish. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.
Water, as Needed:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits: Used to create the batter consistency for the pakoras.
Oil, for Deep Frying:
- Calories: 120 kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits: Provides a crispy texture and rich flavor. However, deep-frying increases the calorie and fat content of the dish. Use in moderation and choose a healthy oil when possible.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size of the potato and the amount of batter used.
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