Description
Crispy, golden, and full of spice, this Kenyan Potato Bhajia Recipe delivers the authentic taste of East African street food. Thinly sliced potatoes are dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and fried to perfection — a savory snack ideal for tea-time or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves
- ¾ cup water (adjust for batter consistency)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
- Optional: 1 small green chili, finely chopped
- Optional: ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispness)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice potatoes thinly. Soak briefly in cold water to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
- Make the batter: In a bowl, combine gram flour, chili powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, garlic, and fresh coriander leaves. Gradually whisk in water until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Test readiness by dropping a bit of batter — it should rise to the surface steadily.
- Coat and fry: Dip each potato slice in the batter and gently slide into hot oil. Fry in batches without overcrowding.
- Fry until golden: Cook 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
- Drain and serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with chutney, ketchup, or chili sauce.
Notes
- Use gram flour for authentic crisp texture.
- Fry on medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle with salt or chaat masala right after frying for extra flavor.
- For lighter Bhajias, air fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Kenyan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 bhajias
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Kenyan Potato Bhajia, Bhajia za Viazi, African snack recipe, East African street food, crispy potato fritters