Aloo Monje
Crispy, golden-brown potato fritters from the Bengali kitchens of India. Grated raw potatoes are spiced with green chilies and onion, bound with a whisper of besan, and deep-fried into crunchy, lacy-edged bites. A tea-time favorite, these fritters are best devoured hot with a dollop of kasundi or ketchup.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the potatoes and mix the batter.
1.Peel the potato and grate it finely into a large mixing bowl. Do not grate in advance — potato will oxidize and turn black.2.Immediately add chopped onion, green chili, grated ginger, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.3.Add besan and rice flour. Mix everything vigorously with your hands for 2 minutes. The salt will draw out moisture from the potato — do not add any water.4.You should have a sticky, coarse mixture that holds together loosely when pressed. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of besan.TIPSqueeze the grated potato lightly to remove excess starchy water before mixing — this keeps the fritters extra crispy. - prep
Heat the oil for deep frying.
Pour the oil into a kadai or deep pan. Heat it on medium-high until a small drop of batter sizzles and rises immediately — about 170°C (340°F). The oil should not be smoking.
- fry · ~5 min
Fry the potato fritters in batches.
1.Drop small, uneven spoonfuls of the potato mixture directly into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd — add only 5-6 at a time.2.Fry for 2 minutes without touching them, letting the lattice edges set.3.Gently flip and fry for another 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp on all sides.4.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.TIPMake irregular, jagged shapes — the lacy, uneven edges are what give Aloo Monje its signature crunch. - serve
Serve immediately.
Pile the hot Aloo Monje onto a serving plate. They lose their crunch as they cool, so serve right away with kasundi (Bengali mustard) or tomato ketchup and a cup of hot chai.
TIPThese are best eaten within 5 minutes of frying. Do not let them sit.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Finely grate the potato; a coarse grate produces fritters that fall apart in the oil.
- 2Squeeze out just enough starchy water so the mixture holds together but isn't dry — reserve the starch that settles.
- 3Use a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan to maintain steady oil temperature for even browning.
- 4Drop the batter in irregular, jagged dollops for maximum crispy, lacy edges.
- 5Fry in small batches of 5–6; overcrowding drops the oil temperature and yields greasy fritters.
- 6Serve within 5 minutes of frying — Aloo Monje lose their crunch rapidly as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy coriander
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves and an extra green chili. Perfect for those who love a herbaceous, fiery kick.
onion freeOnion-free
Skip the onion entirely and replace with 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage or grated carrot. Great for a milder flavor or if you avoid onion for religious or dietary reasons.
gluten free (already is)Gluten-free (already is)
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Ensure your besan and rice flour are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
baked/air friedBaked/air-fried
Shape the mixture into small patties, spray with oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Lower in fat but less crispy than deep-fried.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Gluten-Free Snack
Made with besan and rice flour instead of wheat flour, this dish is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
Good Source of Resistant Starch
Potatoes that are cooked and then cooled (here, after frying) develop resistant starch, which may support gut health and improve blood sugar response.
Rich in Antioxidants from Spices
Turmeric, ginger, and cumin provide anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
The potato likely released too much water after grating. Lightly squeeze out excess moisture before adding flours, and ensure your oil is hot enough (around 170°C/340°F).
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