Jamie Oliver’s Bhaji Bites are a deliciously crispy and savory snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and green beans, these bite-sized fritters are infused with fragrant curry paste and served with a cool and refreshing minty yogurt dip. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients results in a vibrant dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a light meal, these bhaji bites are sure to impress.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
These Bhaji Bites are a fun twist on traditional onion bhajis, made with a mix of shredded vegetables, curry paste, and a crispy exterior. The combination of fresh mint and tangy yogurt dip adds the perfect balance to the rich, spiced fritters. The recipe is simple, yet the flavors are bold, making it a crowd-pleasing dish. You can enjoy them as an appetizer at a party or serve them as a quick, flavorful weeknight snack. And with the added benefit of being vegetarian, they’re a great option for everyone to enjoy.
What Are Jamie Oliver’s Bhaji Bites?
Jamie Oliver’s Bhaji Bites are crispy, spiced vegetable fritters that take inspiration from traditional Indian bhajis. Made with finely shredded vegetables like carrots, onions, cabbage, and green beans, they’re flavored with curry paste and fried to golden perfection. Served with a refreshing mint yogurt dip, these bhaji bites provide a delightful balance of heat and coolness. They’re a healthier take on deep-fried fritters and are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a flavorful snack.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh vegetables: Freshly shredded vegetables not only taste better but also provide a crunchier texture for the bhaji bites.
- Be careful with the oil temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the fritters, but not too hot that they burn. Test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the bhaji bites in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Season the yogurt dip well: The yogurt dip is a key component of this dish, so make sure to season it with enough lemon juice, salt, and pepper to balance the richness of the fritters.
- Use wet hands to shape: Wetting your hands while shaping the bhaji bites helps prevent the mixture from sticking and makes it easier to form neat, round fritters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bhaji bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the fritters and refrigerate them before frying. Just make sure to fry them fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.
Can I make these bhaji bites in the oven?
While frying gives the bhaji bites their signature crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as the fried version but will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for the curry paste?
If you don’t have curry paste, you can use curry powder mixed with a bit of water or vegetable stock to create a similar flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Can I make these bhaji bites without the minty yogurt dip?
Yes! If you prefer, you can serve them with a simple chutney or just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The mint yogurt dip complements the spices well, but the bhaji bites are delicious on their own.
How to Store
Store leftover bhaji bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, or until crispy again.
How to Freeze
To freeze bhaji bites, place the cooked fritters on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until crispy and heated through.
Ingredients
- 2 small red onions (200 grams)
- 2 large carrots (200 grams)
- 200 grams green beans
- 200 grams sweetheart cabbage
- 1 lemon
- 2 heaped tbsp curry paste (such as tikka or any mild curry paste)
- 200 grams plain flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ bunch of fresh mint (15 grams)
- 200 grams natural yogurt
How to Make Jamie Oliver's Bhaji Bites
- Peel the onions, and trim the carrots, beans, and cabbage. Finely shred all the vegetables using a food processor, box grater, or sharp knife.
- Finely grate the lemon zest and set it aside for later.
- Place the shredded vegetables into a large bowl. Add the curry paste, the juice of half the lemon, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Scrunch everything together really well with your hands to mix.
- Add the flour to the vegetable mixture and mix again until you have a thick batter that holds together.
- Wet your hands and shape the mixture into 18 tablespoon-sized fritters, scrunching them into kofte shapes.
- Pour 1 cm of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the fritters and fry for 5 to 8 minutes, turning them occasionally so that all sides become golden and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Once fried, transfer the fritters to kitchen paper to drain excess oil.
- While the fritters are cooling, pick the large mint leaves from the bunch, keeping a few little leaves for garnish. Place the mint leaves into a pestle and mortar and bash them to a paste. Add the yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve the crispy bhaji bites with the minty yogurt dip. Garnish with the reserved lemon zest and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
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