Bhaji is a popular Indian dish made with various vegetables and spices. The spelling of "bhaji" is phonetically transcribed as /bəˈdʒi/. The first syllable "bə" is pronounced like "buh" with a schwa sound, followed by a soft "dʒ" sound for "j". The second syllable "ˈdʒi" is pronounced like "jee" with a stress on the second syllable. The spelling of "bhaji" may cause confusion because the "b" and "j" sounds are not adjacent in English spelling, but the IPA transcription accurately reflects the pronunciation.
Bhaji, also spelled bhajji or bajji, is a term that originates from Indian cuisine and refers to a type of deep-fried snack or appetizer. It is a popular street food item within the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions like Maharashtra and South India.
Typically, a bhaji consists of a vegetable or ingredient coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Various vegetables can be used as the main ingredient for bhajis, such as onions, potatoes, spinach, eggplant, and chili peppers. Occasionally, ingredients like paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or lentils can also be utilized for making bhajis.
The batter used for coating the vegetable or ingredient is usually made by mixing gram flour (besan), rice flour, spices, and water to form a smooth and thick consistency. This batter serves as a flavorful and crispy coating for the bhajis when they are deep-fried in oil.
Bhajis are commonly enjoyed as a snack on their own, often served with chutneys or dipping sauces, such as tamarind chutney or mint chutney. They can also be served as a side dish or accompaniment to a main meal. The delicious combination of crunchy, flavorful vegetables encased in a crispy coating makes bhajis a favorite street food and appetizer for many.
The word "bhaji" is derived from the Hindi word "bhaja" (भजा), which means "fry" or "fritter". It can also be traced back to the Sanskrit word "bhajya" (भज्य), which has a similar meaning. In Indian cuisine, bhaji refers to a deep-fried snack or appetizer made from various vegetables and spices, commonly enjoyed as a street food.