Anda Bhajiya
Crispy, golden fritters with a surprise inside! These savory snacks feature boiled eggs coated in a flavorful chickpea flour batter and fried to perfection. A popular Indian street food, perfect for tea time.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place 4 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least one inch.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let the eggs stand for 10-12 minutes.
- d.Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
- e.Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to help the batter stick.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Batter
- b.In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the besan, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ajwain, garam masala, baking soda, and salt.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste.
- d.Gradually add water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick, and lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being runny.
- e.Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deep Fry the Bhajiyas
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat (around 180°C or 350°F).
- c.To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately without browning too quickly, the oil is at the perfect temperature.
- d.Take one egg half, dip it completely into the batter, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- e.Carefully slide the battered egg into the hot oil. Repeat with 3-4 more pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- f.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried bhajiyas from the oil.
- c.Place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- d.While they are still hot, sprinkle a generous pinch of chaat masala over them.
- e.Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve immediately with green chutney or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The batter consistency is key. If it's too thin, it won't coat the egg; if too thick, the inside will be doughy. Aim for a thick pancake batter consistency.
- 2Ensure the oil is at the right temperature. If it's not hot enough, the bhajiyas will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- 3Patting the boiled eggs dry is a crucial step that helps the batter adhere properly.
- 4For an extra crispy texture, add one tablespoon of hot oil from the frying pan into the batter and mix well just before you start frying.
- 5Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil's temperature, leading to soggy and oily bhajiyas.
- 6Serve Anda Bhajiya immediately after frying to enjoy them at their crispiest best.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies and a pinch of black pepper to the batter for an extra kick of heat.
Herbaceous FlavorHerbaceous Flavor
Mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped mint leaves or 1 teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) into the batter for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Stuffed Egg BhajiyaStuffed Egg Bhajiya
Carefully scoop out the yolks from the boiled egg whites. Mash the yolks with chaat masala, chopped onions, and coriander, then stuff the mixture back into the egg white cavities before dipping in batter and frying.
Whole Egg BhajiyaWhole Egg Bhajiya
Instead of slicing the eggs, you can fry them whole. Use a fork to gently prick the whole boiled eggs a few times before coating them in batter; this prevents them from bursting in the hot oil.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Eggs and chickpea flour (besan) are excellent sources of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Essential Nutrients
Eggs provide vital nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which support bone health, immune function, and brain development.
Naturally Gluten-Free
The batter is made from naturally gluten-free chickpea and rice flours, making this a suitable and delicious snack for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two Anda Bhajiyas contains approximately 330-350 calories, primarily from the eggs, besan, and the oil absorbed during deep-frying.