Crispy Vegetable Fritters with Chinese Flair

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Bangladeshi Bhajas are given a Chinese aristocrat twist. The original dish is typically made with a simple batter and a variety of vegetables, while the Chinese-inspired version incorporates Chinese spices and flavors into the batter, giving the fritters a unique and sophisticated taste. Additionally, the fritters are deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture, which is different from the traditional shallow-frying method used in the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bhajas, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) cold water 1 cup (240ml) cold water
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and white pepper.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter is formed.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Dip the sliced vegetables into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
5. 5.
   Carefully drop the coated vegetables into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chinese-inspired vegetable bhajas hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Carrot — Make sure to slice the carrot thinly to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
• Zucchini — Remove excess moisture from the zucchini slices by patting them dry with a paper towel before dipping them in the batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of soy sauce to the batter.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to create your own unique variations.
• Serve the fritters with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet and sour sauce or a chili garlic sauce for an added burst of flavor.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure a crispy texture.
• Serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-inspired vegetable bhajas as an appetizer or snack. They can also be served as a side dish alongside a main course.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.